| | | | Cantina Creative Gives Iron Man 3 a ‘Heads Up’ with MAXON CINEMA 4D
 3D Software Solution Animates CG Graphical Displays That Guide Iron Man’s Vision
MAXON, leading developer of professional 3D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions, today announced that Cantina Creative, the design and visual effects studio located in Culver City, Calif., relied on its popular CINEMA 4D software to generate more than one hundred 2D and 3D visual effects shots that appear throughout the blockbuster Disney/Marvel Studios superhero sequel," Iron Man 3."
published 3 days ago read more | | | | |
| | | | MPC LA Goes to Battle for DIRECTV
 When MJZ Director Rupert Sanders and Grey New York needed high-end VFX to bring a World War II epic, a medieval fantasy battle, and a bit of science fiction together in a new spot for DIRECTV, they turned to the team at MPC. The spot is a showcase of MPC’s impressive skillset and resources. The LA office led a team that included artists across MPC’s global family of studios, taking the project from rough concept design to photo-real rendering to flawless compositing.
published 4 days ago read more | | | | |
| | | | thenewBlank’s Branding Package for FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” Leaps Onto Screens With Style
 Fox Broadcasting and design-driven production company thenewBlank paired on the dynamic branding campaign for the 10th anniversary season of the hit competition show “So You Think You Can Dance.” The expansive promotional campaign captures the power and beauty of dance, and features All Star dancers from the beloved series. The signature branding appears across all media from television broadcast to social media channels.
published 4 days ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Shutterstock Surpasses 1 Million High-Quality Video Clips
 Adding thousands of new clips each week, Shutterstock empowers creative filmmakers with high-quality video content in every category.
Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), a leading global provider of commercial digital imagery, announced today it has surpassed 1 million licensable video clips in its collection of royalty-free stock footage. The collection features a variety of content from vintage 8mm film to the latest Celebrity Footage, under a simple licensing model and affordable pricing.
published 2 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Method Studios Announces Top Flight Animation Hires
 Global VFX House Welcomes Erik-Jan de Boer, James Jacobs and Keith Roberts
Method Studios, a Deluxe Entertainment Services Group company, announced today the addition of three world-class animation artists to the Method Studios’ creative team.
published 2 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Broadcast Pix Teams with EZNews to Provide Affordable News Automation Systems
 Broadcast Pix™ today announced a partnership with Automated Data Systems to offer integrated news automation systems designed for the growing number of micro stations, Web broadcasters, universities, and others that need a professional but affordable system for news production. Priced from under $15,000 and available now, the systems include the award-winning Broadcast Pix Flint™ live production and streaming system, new EZNews LT news production software from Automated Data Systems, and exclusive interface software that enables EZNews titles to automatically flow into the Flint’s built-in CG. Integration for larger Broadcast Pix models and more robust EZNews systems was also announced.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Tim Dillon joins MPC New York as Executive Producer of Digital/Experiential
 The momentum continues to build in MPC New York, where the addition of interactive and experiential force Tim Dillon completes the aggressive expansion of MPC Digital. A go-to talent for cross-platform projects across the digital, mobile and physical realms, Dillon brings to MPC more than a decade of experience working as senior producer and design lead for big-league clients such as Coca-Cola, Google, Tate, Dewar’s, Intel and TED, as well as Creator’s Project and Lifetime’s “Project Runway Catwalk”.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | CINEGY expands in Florida and Brazil with CIS GROUP
 CIS GROUP, a technology re-seller and systems integration company, is proud to announce its partnership as a reseller with Cinegy. Responsible for the Brazilian, Argentinian, Caribbean and Florida (USA) markets, CIS Group is to provide expert consultancy on and installation of the full line of Cinegy products.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Antenna Forges Creative Pact with Barcelona’s Custom EFX
 Studios plan to collaborate on advertising projects originating in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere.
Seeking to extend its global footprint and add some European flair to its creative offerings, multi-platform content creation company Antenna has forged a strategic alliance with Barcelona-based Custom EFX. The agreement provides Antenna with access to the talent and resources of one of Europe’s top boutique providers of visual effects, animation and post-production services, with a client list that includes some of the world’s best known brands. Custom EFX secures access to the U.S. market via a well-established production services provider with a strong, national sales network. It will also have the opportunity to market Antenna’s services in Europe.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Luma Pictures Goes Patriotic For "Iron Man 3"
 In Latest Weighty Contribution For Marvel Studios, Luma Adds Iron Man & Iron Patriot Armor, Weaponry and Environmental Effects
Luma Pictures answered the call for Marvel Studios' new "Iron Man 3," the latest installment in the hit franchise, adding extensive full-body CG armor replacements for both "Iron Man" and "Iron Patriot" The VFX house, which now boasts locations in Santa Monica and Melbourne, also added weaponry, environmental and particle effects as well as CG backgrounds. This is the first "Iron Man" for Luma, however the project marks its 4th collaboration with Marvel and 3rd with VFX
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | The Nation Creates Captivating “Brands in Wonderland” Campaign For Innovid
 Campaign Includes Web Video, Microsites, Banner & Print Ads For Leading Immersive Video Advertising Provider
Award-winning design & branding agency The Nation has partnered with Innovid, the leading immersive video technology platform, again on a new integrated campaign entitled, “Brands in Wonderland.” This comes on the heels of The Nation’s hugely successful “Cats” campaign for Innovid last year, which was a viral sensation.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Athena Studios Produces Stop Motion Short Film on Self-Accountability in Association with Author Dr. Rick Kirschner
 Athena Studios, an Emeryville, CA-based company that provides full production services for film, TV, advertising, and multimedia clients and projects (and is also the production arm of AthenaOnline), has produced an original, stop-motion, animated short film. The announcement was made today by Jon V. Peters, CEO/Founder, Athena Studios.
published 3 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | The Day Dragons Attacked the World
 Rogue State turns to LightWave 11.5 3D software to conquer CG dragons and220 visual effects shots for Dracano
In Dracano, a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest spews lava, steam and fire—along with eggs that hatch ancient, menacing, winged dragons that prey on man. Since similar volcanic eruptions in Russia, Japan, and other “Ring of Fire” regions are also releasing these menacing creatures into the world, scientists fear they are witnessing the start of a global dragon apocalypse.
published 4 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Ntropic Expands; Welcomes Tom Wright As New Managing Director, North America
 Ntropic has welcomed Tom Wright as Managing Director, North America. He joins Ntropic founder Nate Robinson in guiding the company across its Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco offices. Wright, previously SVP, Director of Integrated Production, at twofifteenmccann developed his approach to advertising and production in senior leadership roles with some of the most awarded creative agencies in the industry and on some of the most successful content brands in recent memory - most notably with Xbox. Wright also led production on last year’s Cyber Lion awarded Help Remedies campaign, the Halo4 launch and the TED-honored Xbox Kinect Effect work. Wright's experience also includes executive roles working with brands as diverse as Jeep, Ray-Ban, Sprint, Hewlett Packard, Ford and Coca Cola.
published 4 weeks ago read more | | | | |
| | | | A Burgeoning Mission: Venice VFX House Doubles Space And Adds New Talent
 VFX house The Mission doubles the size of its Venice-based studio and expands their talent roster with the addition of Rick Grandy as CG Supervisor and Raul Dominguez as a Creature Modeler. With over 19 years of experience in the visual effects industry, Grandy comes to The Mission from Pixomondo where he served as a Digital Character and Pipeline Supervisor on top projects including "The Amazing Spiderman" and "Die Hard 5". Former video game artist and cartoonist Dominguez was most recently at Digital Domain, lending his talents to a score of feature films including "Iron Man 3" and "The Avengers".
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | MPC LA Announces Andy Boyd As Head Of 3D
 MPC LA is proud to announce the addition of Andy Boyd as the studio’s new Head of 3D. A respected VFX supervisor in the commercial and film industries, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to MPC, as well as a client base built over his 15 years working around the globe.
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Edit 1 Unveils 'InMoCa' Technology
 Previs Studio First In New York City To Offer Game-Changing “Inertial” Motion Capture
Visionary pre-visualization boutique Edit1, led by company President Michael Zimbard, has become the first studio in New York to offer state-of-the-art “inertial” motion capture (or as the studio refers to it -- “InMoCa”). The InMoCa technology provides tremendous advantages over more traditional “optical” motion capture.
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Chris Bernier Joins MPC NY AS VFX Supervisor And CG Lead
 A welcome addition to the MPC family, Chris Bernier joins as VFX Supervisor and CG Lead. “We are delighted that Chris has joined our growing team,” says NY Executive Producer Justin Brukman, continuing, “Chris is an immense creative talent as demonstrated by his impressive reel. We’re looking forward to him taking the lead on a number projects – both our creative and production teams are thrilled to have him on board.”
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Brickyard VFX Goes Long for Callaway Golf
 Bi-coastal creative shop Brickyard VFX recently completed work on a new commercial for Callaway Golf and Dick’s Sporting Goods through Denver, Colorado agency Factory Design Labs. The new spot, “Truck to Store,” features pro golfer Gary Woodland and required extensive visual effects to appear as if it were set up and captured in one continuous take.
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Reel FX Delivers Colorful Carnival Nostalgia For McDonald’s
 Dallas/Santa Monica-based digital studio Reel FX infuses a colorful boardwalk stroll with the bubbly nostalgia of classic carnivals in the new :30, “Joywalk,” for McDonald’s out of Moroch, Dallas, TX. The spot features the first person viewpoint of a young woman sipping a bubbly $1 Coca-Cola from McDonald’s as she takes in the atmosphere of a bustling boardwalk carnival with her handsome date. Reel FX handled comprehensive post production on the spot, including editorial, visual effects, coloring, cleanup and online.
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Broadcast Pix and EditShare Announce Integrated Sports Production Package
 Broadcast Pix™ and EditShare today announced a new partnership and a new integrated system for sports production. Combining any Broadcast Pix live video production system with EditShare’s Geevs Sports broadcast server and slow-motion controller, the bundle delivers an affordable sports production solution. Both companies are demonstrating the new bundle at the 2013 NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which runs through April 11 (Broadcast Pix, Booth SL6324; EditShare, Booth SL9010).
published 1 month ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Broadcast Pix Debuts Granite X Series
 Large Live Production Systems with End-to-End Integration
Broadcast Pix™ today announced its Granite X Series of live video production systems, which will be unveiled at the 2013 NAB Show (Booth SL6324) that runs April 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nev. Designed for large-scale live productions and accessing cloud-based content, its new hardware and software enhance integration from ingest to delivery.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Dalet Showcases Dalet Cube, a Complete 3D Graphics Suite for Dalet News Solutions at NAB 2013
Modular package tailored to news production for authoring, fast CG creation, and playout management
Dalet Digital Media Systems, a leading developer of Media Asset Management (MAM) solutions, software and services for broadcasters, is featuring Dalet Cube, a cost-effective 3D graphics solution for news production at NAB 2013 (Booth SL4524). This IT-based offering is available as an optional package that integrates natively with Dalet News Suite and Dalet News Pack.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | NAB2013: Vizrt and never.no demonstrate Integrated Social TV - graphics platform
 It’s increasingly common for viewers to use smart phones and tablets to comment on the TV shows they’re watching with others in the social media sphere. Viewers also use social media to share Instagram photos, videos, personal photos, Facebook posts, tweets, and other “User Generated Content” (UGC) that broadcasters want to select and feature on their live shows.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Luma Pictures Adds A Whirlwind Of Effects To "Oz The Great And Powerful"
Luma Creates CG Tornado, Hot Air Balloon, Costumes, Landscapes And Magic
VFX stronghold Luma Pictures is coming off a whirlwind project, providing over 180 shots for Disney’s new “Oz The Great and Powerful.” The work provided by Luma, which now spans two studios worldwide, begins with one of the most iconic aspects of L. Frank Baum’s chronicles: the tornado which carries the central character to the distant and magical land of Oz. Luma also provided a variety of other effects including earth-to-sky landscape creation, full CG costumes, vehicles and magic effects.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Method Studios Appoints Christian Kubsch as President
 Darin Grant joins Method as Chief Technology Officer
Method Studios, a Deluxe Entertainment Services Group company, announced today that Christian Kubsch has joined the company as President. Kubsch will oversee Method’s global operations including the company’s main base in Los Angeles along with locations in London, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta. Kubsch will report to Stefan Sonnenfeld, President of Creative Services, Deluxe. Darin Grant has been named Chief Technology Officer of Method Studios, and will report to Kubsch.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | NAB 2013: For-A To Unveil Two New Video Switchers
 New units offer enhanced functionality and exceptional cost performance
FOR-A Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, will introduce the HVS-XT100 and HVS-XT110 HD/SD portable video switchers at the NAB convention next month. The latest in the company’s popular line of HVS Series switchers, the HVS-XT100 comes with a separate main unit and control panel, while the HVS-XT110 features a compact, integrated design. The HVS-XT switchers will be shown for the first time at NAB 2013 (Booth C5116), being held from April 8-11 in Las Vegas.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Engine Room Creates New NASCAR On Air Graphics/Branding Package For Fox Sports
 Photo-Real CG Show Open Establishes An Exciting New Look for NASCAR ON FOX
Engine Room’s latest NASCAR project for Fox Sports revved into high gear during the Daytona 500 broadcast. The expansive, high-energy package will air throughout the NASCAR ON FOX fourteen-week season and involved the creative development, design and production of the Show Open (Daytime and Night versions) as well as two new NASCAR ON FOX branding icons to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Calabash Animation Blows Up The Moon In Latest For Lucky Charms
 Award-Winning Studio’s Latest Project For General Mills Amps Up The Energy And The Creativity
Apparently the moon is made of Lucky Charms cereal pieces – at least it is in the fantasy world found in “Paper Moon” -- the new CG animated ad brought to life by Calabash Animation for General Mills. The spot was created by agency Saatchi & Saatchi, New York.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Brickyard Reprises Role for Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s in Spoof of “The Graduate”
 Bi-coastal creative shop Brickyard VFX provided seamless visual effects for “Mrs. Robinson,” the latest sexy spot for Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s via 72andSunny. The spot, directed by HSI’s Chris Applebaum, features supermodel Heidi Klum sporting a fresh take on the familiar eponymous role. Brickyard has a long-standing relationship with the creative team on various Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s spots over the years, and with director Chris Applebaum on recent buzzworthy hits “Sun Tan,” which aired during the Super Bowl, and “Drive-In” featuring Sports Illustrated cover girl Kate Upton. Brickyard’s trusted talent and long history with the brand made them the perfect collaborators for this latest iconic ad.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology Puts Qube! Through the Paces
 Remote Capabilities and Reliable Results Make Render Management Software the “Backbone of BFA Program”
Free is great until system crashes become more common than polished renders. New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology learned this lesson the hard way after entrusting its render queue to free render farm management solutions. These systems were unable to provide the reliability required to produce quality animations and images for its students’ thesis projects, leading the Computer Animation and Interactive Media department to a solution that would: PipelineFX’s Qube!™.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Autodesk Reveals New Gameware Advancements at GDC 2013
Game Development Solutions Boost UI Design, Artificial Intelligence, Lighting and Animation Tools
Game Developers Conference 2013 -- Autodesk Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) unveiled new versions of its widely adopted game development middleware from the Autodesk Gameware product line that allow developers to create more compelling gaming experiences.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Introducing Broadcast Pix Flint Live Production and Streaming System
 Affordable Solution Delivers End-to-End Integration, Access to Cloud-Based Content
Broadcast Pix™ today announced the Broadcast Pix Flint system, a breakthrough live video production system with end-to-end integration. Flint delivers built-in HD streaming and allows operators to include cloud-based content, in addition to cameras and file-based graphics and video, during live productions. Available in April and priced from $8,995, Flint integrates the entire production workflow, from ingest to distribution, and is anchored by the company’s established production toolset for creating sophisticated live video.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Vizrt Presents View of the IP-Based Newsroom of the Future
 Bringing the IP future of Broadcast News into focus
The creation, distribution and on-air display of broadcast graphics are perhaps the most complex, labor and time intensive parts of the news production process. That’s why it’s important for news department staff to work collaboratively and in many cases simultaneously to get the story out before the competition does.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | LightWave 3D Group Unveils Architectural Design Bundle
 Offers everything designers need for3D visualization with industry-leading modeling, rendering and animation tools
The LightWave 3D® Group, a division of NewTek, Inc., announced today a new Architectural Design Bundle that couples LightWave 11.5 3D modeling, animation and rendering software with WTools3D’s LWCAD 4.5 CAD tools for LightWave. The bundle includes a powerful set of features that architects, set designers and interior designers can use to cost-effectively create professional 3D visualization and animation for the most demanding design projects.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | MAXON Applauds Oscar® and Visual Effects Society Awards Winners and Nominees
 Innovative VFX Sequences in Life of Pi, Prometheus and Men in Black 3 Benefit from CINEMA 4D and BodyPaint 3D Technology
MAXON congratulates the many customers that won and were nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Visual Effects Society (VES) and other prominent creative arts organizations for outstanding achievement in the visual effects and other categories who leveraged the company’s professional 3D solutions – CINEMA 4D and Body Paint 3D – to create this year’s most proclaimed characters, backgrounds and environments.
published 2 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Sony Pictures Unites Sound Department And Digital Mastering Under ‘Digital Productions’ Umbrella
With production underway on Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, and post-production continuing on The Smurfs 2, Sony Pictures Digital Productions (SPDP) today announced it is bringing the studio’s award-winning Sound Department and Colorworks, the studio’s digital intermediate facility, under its umbrella. SPDP will now offer a host of post-production services to the professional community, including visual effects and computer animation, sound mixing and editorial and digital mastering, color grading, and film restoration.
published 3 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Dell Helps Soho VFX Siege the Castle in Time for Jack the Giant Slayer Premiere
Dell’s comprehensive media and entertainment solutions helped award-wining visual effects (VFX) studio,Soho VFX, deliver 214 visual effects shots on tight deadline, without sacrificing quality, for today’s opening of Jack the Giant Slayer, a fantasy—adventure film based on the Jack the Giant Killer and Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tales.
published 3 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Finland’s YLE Converts to New HD Programming with Teranex 2D Processor
 The Finnish Broadcasting Company [YLE] is using Blackmagic Design’s Teranex 2D Processor for up conversion of their CG playout on TV2’s hit game show, Tartu Mikkiin, which is recorded in front of a live studio audience. The primetime show is one of the first in YLE’s portfolio to be broadcast in full HD following a two year upgrade program to YLE’s Tampere branch.
published 3 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Autodesk Honors Promising Filmmakers with 5th Annual Visual Effects Society Student Award
 "Natalis" From Filmakademie in Germany Wins Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project
For the fifth consecutive year, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) extended its support for tomorrow's artists, animators, designers and filmmakers by sponsoring the Visual Effects Society's (VES) award for "Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project" at the 11th annual VES Awards held on February 5, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Chris Bradshaw, senior vice president at Autodesk presented the honor to Jan-Marcel Kühn from Filmakademie for Natalis.
published 3 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Sony Pictures Imageworks Vancouver Studio Continues To Build Stable Of Talent With Addition Of Jason Dowdeswell, Steve Nichols
Respected Effects/Animation Leaders Join Sony Pictures Imageworks as new VP, Vancouver Production Operations & Senior Animation Supervisor
Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Academy Award®-winning visual effects and digital creature and character animation company, has further enhanced its Vancouver, British Columbia studio with the appointment of Jason Dowdeswell as Vice President, Production Operations and Oscar® winner Steve Nichols as Imageworks Senior Animation Supervisor, it was announced today by Randy Lake, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Imageworks.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Method Studios Provides VFX Expertise To KIA Super Bowl Spots
 Artists create fully CG animals, environments and augmented female robots
Method Studios, a Deluxe Entertainment Services Group company, has collaborated with agency David&Goliath on two commercials for KIA which premiered during Super Bowl XLVII. "Space Babies," directed by Jake Scott (RSA), and "Hotbots," directed by Carl Erik Rinsch (MJZ) provided a wealth of inspiring VFX challenges to Method's creative team in Los Angeles. Stephanie Gilgar, Method Studios' Executive Producer comments, "It's an honor to have been entrusted to deliver two of the most VFX-heavy ads seen during this year's big game - a yearly highlight in the US television commercials industry".
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Brickyard Helps Adobe Execute Trick Play for Big Game Ad
Brickyard VFX delivered animation for Adobe spot "Animals," a tongue-in-cheek reflection on huge Super Bowl ad spends, which premiered exclusively online. Conceived by ad agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners and directed by Tom Routson of Tool of North America, the spot features a pair of whip-smart talking animals. You can view the spot here: http://youtu.be/CwMYpH_oA-g
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Reel FX Materializes Daydreams for Florida Lottery
 Dallas/Santa Monica-based digital studio Reel FX creates luck out of thin air in an artful, VFX-laden new :30 “Imagine” for the Florida Lottery out of John & Partners, Jacksonvilla, FL. The spot features a daydreaming man on a balmy beach accompanied by dollar-bodied butterflies, cloud-shaped images of wealth and graceful, low-flying flamingos.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Wayne Brinton, VFX Supervisor at Modus FX
The Importance of the Human Connection in the Digital Workflow
For visual effects supervisor Wayne Brinton, the secret to doing great work is great relationships. That means that the first task in every job is to put a face to the name. Not only does work move more smoothly that way, but for Brinton, even a short period of time together on set can save days of work back at the studio.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | LightWave 11.5 Now Available
 Enhances 3D creativity with new Soft Body Bullet Dynamics, After Effects integration, Interactive Modeling Tools, Genoma character rigging system and much more
The LightWave 3D® Group, a division of NewTek, Inc., announced today LightWave 11.5, the newest version of its award-winning 3D modeling, animation and rendering software for artists and designers, is now available for purchase at http://www.lightwave3d.com. A no-charge upgrade to LightWave 11.5 is available to all registered LightWave 11 customers via the LightWave 3D website.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | LOGAN and Conscious Minds Bring Calvin Johnson, Alex Morgan, Neymar Jr. and Allyson Felix into Animated Games for Nike+
 LOGAN plunges Nike+ users into a spectacular post-apocalyptic ice storm of a world with two 6:00, fully CG, stylized character-animated games featuring a cast of top athletes – NFL receiver Calvin Johnson, soccer players Alex Morgan and Neymar Jr., and sprinter Allyson Felix – and promoting a new line of weather-resistant clothing. LOGAN, which collaborated with Conscious Minds on the project, handled an incredible array of character design, modeling, matte painting, character and environment animation, dynamics and final compositing.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | The Mission Brings Chocolate to Life for Hershey's
 Venice, CA-based visual effects studio The Mission infuses chocolate confectionaries with excitement and joy for Hershey’s out of Arnold, NY. The new VFX-heavy :15s “Curious Kiss” and “Like Me” feature lively CG work by The Mission showcasing the timeless magic in the creation of Hershey’s Kisses. The campaign revolves around sweet moments that come from unwrapping a Hershey’s Kiss, fresh from the factory, with a friend or loved one. In the heartwarming: 15, “You’re Like Me,” we follow the delightful journey of the Kisses from factory to consumption, finding that the many available varieties can satisfy even the most conflicting of tastes.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Atomic Fiction Takes Flight with Shotgun Software
 Visual effects and animation studio Atomic Fiction was recently nominated for a Visual Effects Society (VES) Award for their work on the crash sequence in Robert Zemeckis’ aviation drama Flight and it was Shotgun Software's Shotgun production management tool that kept the project organized. An agile, mid-size studio, Atomic Fiction strives to equip its artists with the best technology tools and Shotgun has been an integral part of that toolset since the studio launched in 2010.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | BigStar Soars with Iconic Promo Teaser for HBO’s “Game of Thrones”
 HBO tapped creative strategy and production company BigStar to create the promotional teaser for the highly anticipated third season of “Game of Thrones.” The promo creatively captures the theme "Their World Returns to Ours," with the show’s iconic raven of Westeros ominously soaring through contemporary real-world environments. Season 3 premieres on March 31, 2013.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Broadcast Pix Ships Version 3.2 Software
 Upgrade Enhances Camera Control, Clip Server, Switcher and More
Broadcast Pix™ today began shipping its Video Control Center™ 3.2 software, a free upgrade that improves its Granite™ and Mica™ integrated live video production systems. Camera control enhancements include thumbnail displays of each preset position, as well as auto-follow of camera switching and enhanced macro integration. The built-in clip server now supports native Avid DNxHD clips and multi-definition ProRes and H.264 clips, while the six-channel graphic store adds frame capture. Plus, custom monitor layouts and macros can now be tied to each show, and a new option turns any Granite 2000 system into a 2 M/E switcher.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Broadcast Pix Welcomes Steve Ellis as New CEO
 Broadcast Pix™ today announced it has hired industry veteran Steve Ellis as its president and CEO, effective Feb. 11. He will also be a member of the company’s Board of Directors. Broadcast Pix co-founder and CEO, Ken Swanton, will remain actively involved with the company and on the Board of Directors.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Image Engine creates Visual Effects for “Zero Dark Thirty”
 Image Engine today announced it has provided over 300 shots for the critically acclaimed feature film Zero Dark Thirty, which is now playing in theaters nationwide and has been nominated for a 2013 Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture. This included creating the computer generated Stealth Hawk helicopters (top-secret military vehicles used during the operations), as well as augmenting the bustling military encampments with computer-generated environments, digital soldiers, vehicles and FX.
published 4 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Axis Creates CGI Episodic Content For "Halo 4" Spartan Ops: Season One
CGI artists and storytellers, Axis, in collaboration with 343 Industries, proudly announces its participation in the brand-new, story-driven experience of "Halo 4" - Spartan Ops: Season One. A first-of-its-kind, exciting new addition to the "Halo" franchise, Spartan Ops is an episodic adventure that blends immersive storytelling, high-quality cinematics and action-packed gameplay to deliver an unprecedented serialized experience. In substance and scope, this first season of episodic content is taking Axis to new levels of involvement in the storytelling process, technical demands and in the development of believable, engaging characters.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Cause & [Effect] Bejewels The Imagination For Syfy And Zales
New York-based production house Cause & [Effect] casts a radiant sparkle on the holiday season in their artful :20 co-branded promo for Syfy and Zales. Creative Director Jamie Hubbard and Art Director Justin Acree led the team to craft beautiful imagery, while still maintaining the distinct brand look and packaging. The broadcast promo is part of an annual holiday tie-in with the American diamond store.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Luma Adds Award Winning Creative Director and VFX Supervisor Simon Mowbray
Visual effects stronghold Luma Pictures has further fortified its creative battlements with the addition of award-winning Creative Director and VFX Supervisor Simon Mowbray. Mowbray's deep experience leading the VFX elements for major U.S. and international advertising campaigns provides Luma with another keystone on which to further its work in the commercial market. Additionally, the company may look to leverage his originative approach to visual effects into their work in feature film where opportunities present themselves.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | What Could You Do With 90 Days of Maya and 3ds Max?
Autodesk recently kicked off a 90-day project license of Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max 3D animation software. Why does this matter? Freelance artists and boutique creative shops now have greater flexibility to create high-end professional work for short-term projects using Maya or 3ds Max at a significant cost savings.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Spatial Harmonics Group Merges with Eclipse VFX
Los Angeles studio unites talents with Eclipse’s Beijing team
Los Angeles-based Spatial Harmonics Group has merged with China-based Eclipse VFX to form Eclipse VFX, Los Angeles. Headed by visual effects veterans Wayne England as Executive Producer, and Will Shepherd as Operations Director, the Santa Monica studio joins forces with Eclipse’s Beijing headquarters.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Spectrum Productions Supports NASCAR Awards Banquet with Broadcast Pix Granite 5000
 Broadcast Pix™ today announced that Spectrum Productions, a company which offers full AV production and rental services, used its new Granite™ 5000 2 M/E Video Control Center™ on Nov. 19 to produce the NASCAR 2012 Nationwide / Camping World Truck Series Awards Banquet at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. The ceremony aired on SPEED in late November, and Spectrum was responsible for the the entire ballroom production including staging, scenic, video, and lighting at the venue.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Rovio announces John Cohen as the producer of Angry Birds movie
David Maisel to executive produce upcoming 3D CG-animated feature film, debuting summer 2016
On the third anniversary of the release of Angry Birds, Rovio Entertainment announced that Despicable Me producer John Cohen has signed on as producer of the upcoming Angry Birds movie. David Maisel, former Chairman of Marvel Studios and executive producer of Iron Man, will be executive producer of the feature film, coming to theaters in summer 2016. The film will be produced and financed by Rovio Entertainment.
published 5 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Rhythm & Hues Makes Skies Soar with NVIDIA GPUs in Life of Pi
 Global visual effects giant Rhythm & Hues (R&H) recently completed the lion’s share of visual effects shots on the acclaimed new film, “Life of Pi,” leveraging NVIDIA GPUs to maximize throughput and accelerate creative workflows. “Life of Pi,” from Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee, tapped legions of R&H artists at offices in Los Angeles, India, Kuala Lumpur, Vancouver and Taiwan to create several hundred visual effects shots in stereo 3D that included the Bengal tiger, digitally recreated water and skies, Meerkat Island and myriad additional creatures and effects.
published 6 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Real-Time Motion Capture has arrived with Vicon Blade 2 Powered by Axiom
 Blade 2 Empowers Customers in Film, Animation and Games with Streamlined Motion Capture Production Workflow
Vicon, developer of award-winning motion capture (mocap) products for the entertainment, life science and engineering industries, is pleased to announce the official release of Blade 2, powered by Axiom. This follows a highly successful alpha program, with studios around the globe enthusiastic about the results seen with Blade 2.
published 6 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | LipSync Group Produces Ice Age 4 Event Spot For FOX
- Global campaign sees London-based facility cement its position at the forefront of the UK industry -
LipSync Creative, the full service Creative Agency, and LipSync Post, the award-winning post production facility, have created the global TV and theatrical campaign for 20th Century Fox’s Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Blu-ray and DVD release, underlining The LipSync Group’s position as one of the leading combined creative, production and post production facilities in Soho, able to deliver digital and audio visual campaigns from conception to delivery.
published 6 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Cinesite Creates The First Ever CG Creature To Feature In A Bond Film
 ~ CG Komodo Dragon and explosive London Underground sequences make up Cinesite’s contribution to SKYFALL ~
Cinesite, one of the world’s leading digital visual effects facilities, today announced it has completed visual effects for the 23rd instalment in the Bond franchise, SKYFALL, and used its digital environment expertise to enhance physical stunts and effects.
published 6 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | LightWave 3D Helps Deploy “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome”
 NBCUniversal’s visual effects artists use LightWave 3D software to create stunning visuals for the highly-anticipated sci-fi series
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome is a new science-fiction drama from NBCUniversal premiering tonight on Machinima Prime’s YouTube channel for 10 episodes until February 2013 when Syfy, a division of NBCUniversal, is expected to televise the pilot and also offer it on DVD, Blue-Ray, On Demand, and digital download. Throughout the history of the Battlestar Galactica franchise, LightWave 3D® software has been a constant in the show’s production pipeline for everything from otherworldly atmospheres to earth-shattering visual effects. Blood & Chrome continues the tradition, adding Cylon robots, snake creatures, and more than 20 sets constructed entirely in LightWave 3D.
published 6 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Luma Pictures Celebrates 10 Years Of Production & Artistry In Visual Effects
Luma Pictures, a success story in the field of visual effects, is proudly celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Payam Shohadai and founding partner Jonathan Betuel created Luma in 2002 under the guiding principles: treat people well, quality is king, and always spend smart. The company has excelled at doing just that - providing artistic vision, precedent-setting work product and a unique culture of creativity.
published 7 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | FilmLight’s Baselight Used to Grade Sony’s “Hotel Transylvania”
 Hotel Transylvania, Sony Pictures Animation’s monster hit comedy that already broke records at the U.S. box office, went through final colour grading and stereo finishing in full 3D on Baselight. Completed at Colorworks, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s digital intermediate facility, DI Colourist John Persichetti used Baselight to apply the finishing touches to the film prior to its worldwide release.
published 7 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Cinesite appoints Eamonn Butler as Animation Director
Ironman 2, John Carter, Hellboy 2 and Paul animation director to lead Cinesite’s growing animation department
Cinesite, one of the world’s leading digital visual effects facilities, today announced it has appointed Eamonn Butler as animation director to head up its expanding animation division. Butler joins from Double Negative where he was head of animation and supervised a catalog of high-profile films, including Ironman 2, John Carter, Hellboy 2, Paul and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
published 7 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | World’s Broadcasters Cover Elections with Vizrt Live Video and Graphics Tools
 On November 6th when results from the United States Presidential election race come pouring in, nearly 90 percent of the world will be watching live video and graphic tabulations produced with Vizrt equipment as Vizrt continues to be the company the world is truly watching. Thousands of Viz Engines will be working overtime for this event, performing real-time video and graphic composites and rendering 2D and 3D animations in SD and HD.
published 7 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Ntropic Creates Visually Enticing Promo For ABC Fall Sunday Night Line-Up
 Led by Ntropic’s Nate Robinson and Andrew Sinagra, the creative team at Ntropic has created a visually enticing promo for ABC’s Fall Sunday Night Line-Up entitled “A Taste of ABC Sunday.” Collaborating closely with Executive Producer Joseph Uliano of One World Productions in Los Angeles and the Entertainment Marketing Division of ABC, the team of Robinson + Sinagra directed the piece, while Ntropic created all of the visual effects for the ground-breaking promo which began airing last month with heavy rotation during the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards.
published 7 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Colorworks Checks into “Hotel Transylvania”
 DI facility teams with Sony Pictures Imageworks to ready 3D animated feature for theatrical release.
Final post-production work for Hotel Transylvania, the new animated comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, was recently completed at Colorworks, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s digital intermediate facility. The facility performed final color grading and stereoscopic 3D finishing for the film, scheduled for U.S. release on September 28th.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Modus FX Appoints Anne Le Bouyonnec as VP Production
Le Bouyonnec Brings 25 years of Experience to Montreal VFX Facility
Modus FX announced the appointment of Anne Le Bouyonnec as VP production. Le Bouyonnec will act as liaison between executive management and the production team on the studio floor. She will be responsible for ensuring that on-floor production requirements are met, while overseeing resources and budgets. Le Bouyonnec brings over 25 years of artistic and organizational experience in the CG and VFX industry in Quebec to her new position, strengthening the executive team at Modus.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Radar Studios Enters Collaborative Partnership With LA-Based Eden FX
Collaboration will provide new resources and opportunities for both companies
Chicago-based production and post house Radar Studios has entered into a collaborative partnership with LA-based visual effects company Eden FX. The partnership will enable Radar and Eden FX to unite on a broad range of work.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Big Lazy Robot Leverages iPi Motion Capture™ To Bring Futuristic World To Life In ‘Keloid’
 Markerless Motion Capture Technology Facilitates Intricately Choreographed Robot Soldiers’ Performance In Short Trailer
The world of “Keloid” -- as realized in the intense two-minute, CG trailer for the future sci-fi feature created by Barcelona, Spain-based design/animation boutique Big Lazy Robot -- brims with danger, intrigue and a nightmarish future robot society, brought to life thanks to their inventive use of iPi Soft’s iPi Motion Capture™ software.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | MPC Trips Into The Fantastic With Fly Buys
 Loyal Fly Buys users know that pretty amazing things can happen when they take advantage of the sprawling rewards program. In a new spot done in collaboration with Psyop LA, MPC suggests that Fly Buys may be even more remarkable than most of its loyal users realize.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | Faith Hill Belts Out A New Anthem For “Sunday Night Football” With Bodega, SPY and NBC
 New York/San Francisco-based content creation/production company Bodega, SPY and director Jonathan Keeton team up with NBC Sports Group and NBC Sports’ creative/co-director Tripp Dixon to deliver full-throttle football excitement in the new 1:40 game opener for NBC's Sunday Night Football, the No. 1 show on primetime television. Featuring Faith Hill and NFL stars including New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl XLVI MVP Eli Manning, the piece marks the first spot for editor Alan Chimenti out of his new east coast roost, Bodega's sister company Northern Lights. The opener debuted prior to the opening Sunday Night Football game of the season on September 9th, and will air throughout this season and next.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | ArsenalFX Goes Behind Jennifer Aniston’s Closed Doors To Reveal Secret Quirks For Smartwater
 Bicoastal visual effects studio ArsenalFX teams up with Station Films’ director Alek Keshishian to turn voyeur on Jennifer Aniston, revealing her secret obsession with smartwater in the humorous new web film, “The Jennifer Aniston Security Tapes” for smartwater out of AR New York. Ryan Seacrest opens the 2:35 web film featuring Aniston’s degradation of her household staff, her hidden pregnancy belly, her motherhood antics to her nontraditional children (a grown Jimmy Kimmel and miniature alien) and her extensive wig collection used to hide her dark brown permed ‘do. The mock security tapes feature a sweetly self-depreciating Aniston taking the recent pregnancy rumors after her engagement to actor Justin Theroux in stride.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | modo Goes High Fashion for “Project Runway” Contestant’s Lookbook
 Photorealistic 3D Environments Provide Backdrop for Live Action Models and their Avant-Garde Attire
When your clothes say “more,” their environment must say “less.” That’s the first rule of making a garment pop. As a contestant on “Project Runway”’s 10th season, Elena Slivnyak used this idea to her creative advantage during the competition, all while staying within a modest budget. The secret was Luxology’s modo 601; a world-class 3D animation, modeling, and rendering software that tied her lookbook’s avant-garde aesthetic to stylish 3D environments. The results were très magnifique.
published 8 months ago read more | | | | |
| | | | |  Articles and Tutorials: Zombies Brought to Life For Warm BodiesVFX company LOOK Effects ramped up a studio in Vancouver and created a new pipeline for character animation, to produce 85 shots of the Boneys - the most decayed, menacing zombies - in Warm Bodies, the new zom-rom-com based on the book of the same name. In addition to character animation, the company created a CG fly-through of a wasted city, blending with live action plates at each end of the sequence.Read Article Subscribe Argo's Invisible Effects Create 1970s TehranArgo tells the recently declassified true story of six Americans who escaped the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran -- by pretending to be filmmakers! With Argo's filmmakers unable to shoot in Iran, audiences travel there through the "invisible effects" created by Method Los Angeles, whose teams provided compelling illusions that serve as the perfect backdrop for this tale of life and death sleight of hand.Read Article Subscribe Where Digital Meets Stop-Motion in ParaNormanThe stereo 3D stop-motion animated feature ParaNorman from Laika puts the emphasis on handcrafted puppets and details. But digital plays an important, behind-the-scenes role, not just in painting out rigs but in creating ghosts, dramatic, witch-filled skies, crowds and set extensions. Laika's visual effects supervisor Brian Van't Hul, compositing supervisor Steve Emerson and CG/look dev supervisor Andrew Nawrot talk about the creation and integration of the digital with the real in ParaNorman. (Potential minor spoilers in the article)Read Article Subscribe Method Studios: VFX for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire HunterMethod Studios was approached by Fox's visual effects team to work on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and were offered some very tasty stuff to solve - a train sequence with burning bridges, full CG fire, all in stereo. As CG artists, this is the kind of meaty work you really want to go after. Randy Goux shared his experiences on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter with Creative COW.Read Article Subscribe NewTek in 3D and VideoThousands of members of Creative COW were at the 2011 NAB Show, and we are pleased to bring you some of their reports. In this entry, Debra Kaufman takes a look at NewTek's 3D animation, which is now 3D CG and 3D stereoscopic, NewTek's TriCaster 850 EXTREME, and more. Read Article Subscribemore articles » Blogs: What Star Wars Means to MeWith all this talk about another Star Wars Trilogy, spin off movies, live action tv and George Lucas retiring a terribly wealthy man, I've kept myself busy with rumors, speculation and criticisms as well as hopes for good movies. But why exactly does Star Wars mean to me and why...Read Blog SubscribeCreative InspirationWeeks are for work. Weekends are for personal enrichment. Maybe that enrichment is biking, skiing, cooking, cleaning (really?!), hiking, reading, going to the movies or theater, or whatever floats your boat. For me, it is keeping a collection of inspiring activities at the ready so when the moment strikes, I...Read Blog Subscribe The ABCs of Student BroadcastingA couple of nights ago at precisely 7:30 PM, while you were reaching for that second slice of meatloaf (tskk, tskk), our county school system reached a milestone. The Board of Education's chairman gaveled the opening of February's meeting. I sat on my couch and watched on our Community Access...Read Blog Subscribemore blogs » Podcasts:Episode #030 - April 13, 2006Episode 030 - Automotive CG Imaging with Matt Weng, Boris Blue, SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 4, Instant HD, first HD DVD movies, Sony blur-free camera, Adobe InDesign Layer Groups and more creative tech news, interviews and reports - www.creativecow.netTune In Subscribemore podcasts »Related Tags | | | | |
|
