Pixar Technical Memos

Thanks to a comment from Christopher Hatfield on Keith Lango's blog, I've discovered the Pixar Technical Memos Library. Both Chris and Keith have been looking at non photorealistic shading in CGI, specifically Toon Rendering.



This library of short technical articles covers some of my favourite animation/rendering topics such as Toon Rendering, Depth of Field and much more. Many of the articles were written to go with Ratatouille but a believe that there are some references to Cars2 there.

Coraline

The stopmotion film Coraline will be out early next year and there already appears to be some fantastic marketting materials to go with this film from Laika.



Mike Brent is lucky enough to own box 9 of 50 and has already disected one of the stopmotion arms that came in the box.

I'll be looking out for this film as I love the style animation and it's also got Dawn French doing some of the voices which will be brilliant.

RIP Oliver Postgate

One of my animation heros, Oliver Postgate has died aged 83. He was the creator of charming animations such as Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog and an inspiration to us all.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7772620.stm

LIAF and Poo Productions launch a new animated film competition

The London International Animation Festival 2009 announces a joint competition with Poo Productions.



"How many people wash their hands before preparing food? And how many people, particularly men, wash their hands after going to the toilet? 80% DON'T!!

LIAF and Poo Productions are launching a competition to find short animated films that deal with the serious subject matter of sanitation and hygiene but in an edgy, irreverent and humorous way.

The winning films will form part of an awareness-raising campaign with a global reach to publicise the importance of adequate sanitation and good hygiene practice - both of which are inextricably linked to clean water.

The best films will screen at LIAF 2009 and other high-profile events, and the winning film, as chosen by a professional jury, will win a prize of £1,000.

Entry is open to all animated films dealing with this subject matter, entry is free and we need to receive your films by May 15th 2009.

You can read more about the competition here and download the entry form."

British Animation from Channel 4

This Friday at 6pm the Curzon Soho will be showing some of the best of British Animation from Channel 4. Commissioning editor Clare Kitson has selected some of the most remarkable films produced by the channel. Some of these films contain themes of an adult nature and hence there is an over 16s advisory.
Also being celebrated is the launch of the book of the same name.

British Animation: The Channel 4 Factor Book



Watch British Animation: The Channel 4 Factor Curzon Soho 5th Dec @ 6pm