Imagi today announced the appointment of Frank Gladstone to provide advanced training for Imagi’s 400+ artists and animators on art and science...
read imagi press release
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Kewpie Anime Dolls
Kewpie 好嘢，不論特撮片, Game, cartoon, 真係所有character都比你玩哂囉!!
see? Both Astro Boy and Gatachaman are there!
see more here
Monday, August 27, 2007
Justice League become CGI/mo-cap Movie!?
One of the most talked-about topics online these days is Warner Bros.' Justice League of America adaptation, which Happy Feet director George Miller is reportedly attached to.
Reports have said that the superhero team-up movie would include Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, that casting would start next week, and that Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) and Brandon Routh (Superman, Superman: Man of Steel) would not be involved.
It didn't quite make sense how Warner Bros. would be able to pull it off, but perhaps now we know how they can. IESB.net says that the movie might be a CGI/performance capture project, much like The Polar Express, and the upcoming Beowulf and Avatar. Here's a bit of the scoop the site received:
However, and take this with a grain of salt, Imageworks are apparently in the running to provide services on the JLA film, competing with R&H and possibly WETA (the latter being unconfirmed).
But the real interesting thing about this is that the contract is for an all-cgi "photo-real" motion capture movie, much like the upcoming Beowulf.
If the reports hold up, expect Justice League of America to go into production early 2008.
Source: IESB.net
Reports have said that the superhero team-up movie would include Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, that casting would start next week, and that Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) and Brandon Routh (Superman, Superman: Man of Steel) would not be involved.
It didn't quite make sense how Warner Bros. would be able to pull it off, but perhaps now we know how they can. IESB.net says that the movie might be a CGI/performance capture project, much like The Polar Express, and the upcoming Beowulf and Avatar. Here's a bit of the scoop the site received:
However, and take this with a grain of salt, Imageworks are apparently in the running to provide services on the JLA film, competing with R&H and possibly WETA (the latter being unconfirmed).
But the real interesting thing about this is that the contract is for an all-cgi "photo-real" motion capture movie, much like the upcoming Beowulf.
If the reports hold up, expect Justice League of America to go into production early 2008.
Source: IESB.net
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Mike and Sam !?
美國果真是創意之地，就連STARBUCKS的服務員也極盡創意.....
每天我們上班前都會到公司樓下的STARBUCKS買咖啡。服務員通常都會問我們的名字然後寫在紙杯上，哈 ! 每次取咖啡時看看Mon and Sang杯上的名字都有驚喜...
Mon ---> "Mike", "Mine", 最勁是"My" (是名來的嗎?)
Sang ---> "Sam", "San", "Zed", "Sad"
阿蚊已經放棄了，從此在 STARBUCKS 之時他就叫自己做 Mike....
油畫第一次
對上一次畫人像寫作已是十五年前的事，畫油畫還是第一次。 戰戰兢兢地拿著久違了的畫筆(不是Digitizer)，用從未試過的油畫顏料，還在兩位大帥前，有點緊張......感覺與Acrylic很 不一樣。可以這樣每星期都這樣畫便好了 !
人太緊張了....之前 Lost in Highway...未能好好地放鬆自己而享受過程 (< 藉口:P)，畫出來的效果倒很像中學生的習作，不論顏色及筆觸都 damn too tight !!
與大家一起十寫畫的感覺很開心，如果可以每星期都.....
這才是大帥的作品
在Sang的blog有更多圖片
Thursday, August 23, 2007
誰作的決定?
終於有機會見到TMNT美版DVD的封面，嘩 !從沒想過可以如此醜陋... 最初不明白因何把四隻龜的顏色推至螢光綠的情度。驟眼看還以為是Saturday Morning Cartoon DVD...。的確這TMNT DVD 與其他 For Kids DVD放在一起，見到也不會令你想到原本的電影。這是誰作的決定 ? 顯然，這應該是片商的所謂市場決定。是為了吸引較年青人及所謂Kids Market嗎 ? 他們就會喜歡這"彩爆"的東西嗎 ? 好想知道這做法真的可以多賣了幾多?
電影本身就是很Dark的，是把它定位Kids Cartoon 而 "騙" 家長買給小朋友嗎? 當然做這個決定之前是沒有知會我們。又一次對WB的市場決定感到失望...
What the.....?? This is a really ugly cover.
實物的顏色比上圖彩幾倍.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Screening Tips
Billy Wilder's Screenwriting Tips As told to Cameron Crowe:
1. The audience is fickle.
2. Grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go.
3. Develop a clean line of action for your leading character.
4. Know where you¹re going.
5. The more subtle and elegant you are in hiding your plot points, the better you are as a writer.
6. If you have a problem with the third act, the real problem is in the first act.
7. A tip from Lubitsch: Let the audience add up two plus two. They'll love you forever.
8. In doing voice-overs, be careful not to describe what the audience already sees. Add to what they¹'e seeing.
9. The event that occurs at the second act curtain triggers the end of the movie.
10. The third act must build, build, build in tempo and action until the last event, and then -- that's it. Don¹t hang around.
1. The audience is fickle.
2. Grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go.
3. Develop a clean line of action for your leading character.
4. Know where you¹re going.
5. The more subtle and elegant you are in hiding your plot points, the better you are as a writer.
6. If you have a problem with the third act, the real problem is in the first act.
7. A tip from Lubitsch: Let the audience add up two plus two. They'll love you forever.
8. In doing voice-overs, be careful not to describe what the audience already sees. Add to what they¹'e seeing.
9. The event that occurs at the second act curtain triggers the end of the movie.
10. The third act must build, build, build in tempo and action until the last event, and then -- that's it. Don¹t hang around.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Same Distributors again!
Imagi announced on 15 Aug, 2007 that Warner Bros and Weinstein entered the preliminary distribution agreement in relation to Gatchaman and AstroBoy movies...
Yes, the same distributors of TMNT again !
see imagi announcement
Yes, the same distributors of TMNT again !
see imagi announcement
Back to LA
Back to LA again, things seems similar but actually different...
I hope that is more than "different", i am looking for "improvement"?
still figure out how to input Chinese at window Viseta...
I hope that is more than "different", i am looking for "improvement"?
still figure out how to input Chinese at window Viseta...
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Imagi Announced Distribution Agreement with Wowee on Gatchaman and AstroBoy Toys
Imagi announced last Friday that it has form a strategic alliance with relationship with Wowwee Ltd to market and distribute toys based on the studio’s next two anime based CG-animated feature films, Gatchaman and Astro Boy.
Hong Kong (August 14, 2007) – Imagi Animation Studios (Imagi) today announced that it has established a strategic relationship with Wowwee Ltd. (Wowwee) to market and distribute toys based on the studio’s next two CG-animated feature films, Gatchaman and Astro Boy. Under the agreement, Wowwee will be the exclusive distributor in global markets (excepting Japan and China) for toy lines developed by Imagi and its OEM partner, Wah Shing Toys, Ltd.
The Gatchaman and Astro Boy toy lines are expected to include action figures, vehicles, playsets, robotic figures, activity toys, and plush. Wowwee is providing some of its proprietary technology for advanced robotics and flying vehicles. In all cases, the designs and play patterns of the toys will closely replicate the look and story line of the films.
“All too often, film-licensed toys fail to live up to kids’ expectations, because they fall so far short of what the kids see on the movie screen,” said Douglas Glen, Imagi’s Co-CEO and Chief Production Officer. “But in the case of Gatchaman and Astro Boy, the filmmakers are working closely with the toy designers to make toys that are as innovative and feature-rich as the films themselves.”
“We’re combining the most advanced technology in the toy industry with creative ideas from two great animated action movies,” said Eric Lau, Chief Operating Officer of Wowwee Ltd. “Our sophisticated toys will surprise and delight consumers with features and play depth they’ve never before enjoyed in film based products.”
The toys are scheduled to ship concurrently with the theatrical releases of the two CG-animated films in 2009.....
Mr. Douglas Glen, Imagi’s Co-CEO and Chief Production Officer (right), and Mr. Eric Lau, Chief Operating Officer of Wowwee Ltd. (left) with a selection of Wowwee’s developed toys.
About Wowwee:
Wowwee Ltd. is a privately-owned, Hong Kong based company with a worldwide sales and distribution network. The Company is the recognized leader in the manufacturing of innovative hi-tech consumer robotic and entertainment products. For more information and to see the latest Wowwee products please visit www.wowwee.com.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Animation with "Heart" !
上星期五全公司一起看了Pixar的 Ratatouille...
儘管題材方面未必是我的口味，但似乎不論什麼題材，每次看完Pixar的動畫電影，內心都會感到一陣"灼熱"。驚嘆 Pixar怎麼樣可以把題材處理得這麼的盡，這麼的好？
"灼熱"是因為心中那團火燃起來了...
火燃起來了，是因為被動畫各色各樣的"出色"而感動，好想好想做一齣如此出色的動畫！
火燃起來了，是再次感受到那遙不可及的差距...
與我們的差距不只是技術的本身，而是"心態"上差距...
人家用儘方法把每個細節做到最好，各個部門各展所長，各自把自己負責的部分，每人點一滴的INPUT將動畫的推進更好；相反有某些部門主管態度極其保守，只考慮部門本身的利益多於做好條片。反覆開會議而不決，說這個做不到，說那個又話無時間做，或者做這個又會好麻煩。又或者交出一些很荒謬的製作時間表......給我的印象就是推卸責任，沒有承擔。
聽到這些，我的"怒火"又燃起來了！這樣的"心態"，怎樣做到好的作品？
我常常掛在口邊︰我們不只是要做完一套動畫，而是做一套好動畫！
用同一段製作時間做出來的動畫可以差天共地。
希望這些負能量戰士好好反省，不要以為做到TMNT就自以為是，做得到也不等如做得好。若不追求改進，還以守舊的方法為榮。假若我們2009年的推出的作品只比現在TMNT的質素只好少少，我們便失去市場上的競爭力了！
參與者的心態真正影響影片的質素，一點一滴地........推高或拉下...
希望那火，也在大家心內燃燒，化成熱血及動力去做一齣像Pixar般出色的動畫。
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Imagi & WahShing Develop Toys for Gatchaman & AstroBoy movie
IMAGI ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
FOR GATCHAMAN AND ASTRO BOY TOY DEVELOPMENT
Hong Kong (August 7, 2007) – Imagi Animation Studios (Imagi) today announced that it has established a strategic relationship with Wah Shing Toys Co., Ltd. (Wah Shing) to develop and produce innovative toys based on the characters, vehicles, sets and props from the studio’s next two CG-animated feature films, Gatchaman and Astro Boy.
Both companies are headquartered in the Chai Wan district of Hong Kong. Imagi’s artists and animators are collaborating with toy designers and engineers from Wah Shing to develop toys that are more feature-rich and innovative than typical movie-related toys.
“Usually, movie studios sign a license agreement, then leave the toy company to fend for itself,” said Douglas Glen, Imagi’s Co-CEO, and formerly a senior executive with Mattel Toys.
“Imagi is taking a different approach, by pooling the creative juices of the filmmakers with those of the toy designers. The resulting toys will be truer to the movies and offer much more play value.”
“This is a superior business model for all concerned,” said Richard Ellert, Managing Director of Wah Shing. “We now have the lead time and creative horsepower to develop products that will far exceed consumer expectations.”
The toys are scheduled to ship concurrently with the theatrical releases of the two CG animated films in 2009.
Glen added, “Imagi and Wah Shing are in discussions with several major toy companies with respect to distribution and marketing of the toys, and we expect to make announcements in the near future.”
Above article is extracted from imagi press release
FOR GATCHAMAN AND ASTRO BOY TOY DEVELOPMENT
Hong Kong (August 7, 2007) – Imagi Animation Studios (Imagi) today announced that it has established a strategic relationship with Wah Shing Toys Co., Ltd. (Wah Shing) to develop and produce innovative toys based on the characters, vehicles, sets and props from the studio’s next two CG-animated feature films, Gatchaman and Astro Boy.
Both companies are headquartered in the Chai Wan district of Hong Kong. Imagi’s artists and animators are collaborating with toy designers and engineers from Wah Shing to develop toys that are more feature-rich and innovative than typical movie-related toys.
“Usually, movie studios sign a license agreement, then leave the toy company to fend for itself,” said Douglas Glen, Imagi’s Co-CEO, and formerly a senior executive with Mattel Toys.
“Imagi is taking a different approach, by pooling the creative juices of the filmmakers with those of the toy designers. The resulting toys will be truer to the movies and offer much more play value.”
“This is a superior business model for all concerned,” said Richard Ellert, Managing Director of Wah Shing. “We now have the lead time and creative horsepower to develop products that will far exceed consumer expectations.”
The toys are scheduled to ship concurrently with the theatrical releases of the two CG animated films in 2009.
Glen added, “Imagi and Wah Shing are in discussions with several major toy companies with respect to distribution and marketing of the toys, and we expect to make announcements in the near future.”
Above article is extracted from imagi press release
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Saturday, August 04, 2007
為會考生打氣動畫 !
十幾萬的應屆會考生，星期三便會知道會考成績。由香港藝術中心及可口可樂一起"攪作"，找來多位Artists製作多條短片，為本屆會考生打打氣。當中也有 Stella So、想貓的魚、Peter Ng 等的動畫作品。其中我比較喜歡袁建滔的"疾走森林"及想貓的魚的 "會考實錄"。以上看到的是袁建滔的作品。想看其他短片可以到大會指定網站。
還有也很喜歡MacCann的版頭設計。
還有也很喜歡MacCann的版頭設計。
新將加盟 imagi !
Tim Cheung 加盟 imagi，擔任動畫部副總裁。Tim Cheung 於Dreamworks PDI 工作12年，最近為Shrek 3擔任 Head of animation。首項任務就是參與將於2009年全球放映的《神勇飛鷹俠》及《小飛俠》的製作。他的首項任務是儘快提昇 imagi 的動畫帥的技術，特別是演技方面。
imagi官方網站
imagi官方網站
Thursday, August 02, 2007
轉: 阿童木在香港重生！
輯錄自較早前之前的在知日部屋有關《小飛俠》及 imagi 的文章。
.......意馬早於去年9月便公開宣佈將拍小飛俠3D動畫劇場版，但沒有提供多少資料，最近半年多了些有關此港製小飛俠動畫的消息，讓我們更加興奮及期待，其原因有二：
(1) 自主製作：跟《數碼暴龍X進化》的3D動畫不同，這次意馬不是替日人做生產或加工，而是從Tezuka Productions（由手塚治蟲的兒子手塚真主持）購入《小飛俠》的版權，自己全資製作3D動畫劇場版，而且故事也將是全新創作。若一切順利， 2009年將在全球上映，甚至反攻日本市場。
(2) 強勁班底：意馬的CG技術是不用置疑的。它上市後資金充裕，有能力重金禮聘美國頂級動畫人才。《忍者龜》便是美國人才加香港CG技術的產品，《小飛俠》也將走這模式。它將由Colin Brady執導（曾任《Toy Story 2》人物設計師及《Everyone’s Hero》的導演），由前Dreamworks製作人Maryann Garger出任監製。《小飛俠》的故事將由意馬國際美國工作室負責，而電腦動畫則在香港製作，相信製作出來的作品會與手塚的風格有很大的不同。
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.......意馬早於去年9月便公開宣佈將拍小飛俠3D動畫劇場版，但沒有提供多少資料，最近半年多了些有關此港製小飛俠動畫的消息，讓我們更加興奮及期待，其原因有二：
(1) 自主製作：跟《數碼暴龍X進化》的3D動畫不同，這次意馬不是替日人做生產或加工，而是從Tezuka Productions（由手塚治蟲的兒子手塚真主持）購入《小飛俠》的版權，自己全資製作3D動畫劇場版，而且故事也將是全新創作。若一切順利， 2009年將在全球上映，甚至反攻日本市場。
(2) 強勁班底：意馬的CG技術是不用置疑的。它上市後資金充裕，有能力重金禮聘美國頂級動畫人才。《忍者龜》便是美國人才加香港CG技術的產品，《小飛俠》也將走這模式。它將由Colin Brady執導（曾任《Toy Story 2》人物設計師及《Everyone’s Hero》的導演），由前Dreamworks製作人Maryann Garger出任監製。《小飛俠》的故事將由意馬國際美國工作室負責，而電腦動畫則在香港製作，相信製作出來的作品會與手塚的風格有很大的不同。
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香港製動畫電影
1979年七彩卡通老夫子
Old Master Cute
導演： 蔡志忠，胡樹儒
2D animation
1982年04月05日七彩卡通老夫子：水虎傳
Old Master Cute 2
監制： 胡樹儒
導演： 胡樹儒，王澤
2D animation
1983年山.T. 老夫子
導演： 蔡志忠，胡樹儒
2D animation
1997年7月31日小倩 A Chinese Ghost
監制： 徐克 TSUI Hark
導演： 錢永强 Andrew Chan
2D + 3D animation
2001年2月15日麥兜故事
導演： 袁建滔 Toe Yuen
2D animation
2003年老夫子動畫大電影：反斗偵探
Master Q: Incredible Pet Detective
監制：陳樹幟
導演：杜國威 Raymond To
2D animation
2004年06月24日麥兜．菠蘿油王子
導演： 袁建滔 Toe Yuen
2D animation
2005年01月06日龍刀奇緣 Dragon Blade
監制： 唐季禮 Stanley Tong
導演： Antony Szeto
CGI animation
2007年03月29日忍者龜 TMNT
導演: Kevin Munroe
CGI animation
2008年
麥兜．武當
2009年頭
神勇飛鷹俠 Gatchaman
導演: Kevin Munroe
CGI animation
2009年尾
小飛俠 AstroBoy
導演:Colin Brady
CGI animation
資料更新整理中...如資料有任何錯漏，歡迎更正。