“Iwájú,” a new animated series on Disney+, is unlike anything else on the service. And really, it’s unlike anything in the history of Disney Animation – a collaborative project between Walt Disney Animation Studios, Kugali Media and Cinesite (a long-running visual effects and animation studio headquartered in England). A truly global affair, “Iwájú” imagines a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, where a 10-year-old finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes, technologically advanced tug-of-war.
And it all started with some good, old-fashioned trash talk.
Hamid Ibrahim, cocreator of “Iwájú” and the project’s production designer, said in 2019 that Kugali wanted to “kick Disney’s ass.” But Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios (and director of “Frozen”), wasn’t offended — she was intrigued. In 2020, “Iwájú” was announced as the first original series from Walt Disney Animation Studios, made in collaboration with Kugali.
After the public call-out, “a very, very organic and...
And it all started with some good, old-fashioned trash talk.
Hamid Ibrahim, cocreator of “Iwájú” and the project’s production designer, said in 2019 that Kugali wanted to “kick Disney’s ass.” But Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios (and director of “Frozen”), wasn’t offended — she was intrigued. In 2020, “Iwájú” was announced as the first original series from Walt Disney Animation Studios, made in collaboration with Kugali.
After the public call-out, “a very, very organic and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
“Iwájú,” Disney Animation’s sci-fi long-form series about a futuristic Lagos (currently streaming on Disney+ and coming to The Disney Channel April 22), is a far cry from such culturally diverse features as “Moana,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and “Encanto.” This is a Nigerian series — Disney’s first-ever outside collaboration of this kind — told from the Black team at Kugali Media, the U.K.-based Pan-African media company, voiced by Nigerian actors, and with a score from Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga.
“Iwájú” (which loosely means “the future” in Yoruba) began as a Kugali comic book anthology. Kugali co-founders Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku let it be known in an interview they had their sights set on animation and were determined to “kick Disney’s arse in Africa.” This came to the attention of Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, Jennifer Lee, who was so impressed with the...
“Iwájú” (which loosely means “the future” in Yoruba) began as a Kugali comic book anthology. Kugali co-founders Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku let it be known in an interview they had their sights set on animation and were determined to “kick Disney’s arse in Africa.” This came to the attention of Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, Jennifer Lee, who was so impressed with the...
- 3/4/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The new Academy realignment that splits the Short Films and Feature Animation branch into separate Animation and Short Films branches has been met primarily with enthusiasm. According to animation and live-action short Academy members and other industry insiders, this change was long overdue. Both animation and live-action shorts deserve their own dedicated branches after experiencing tremendous growth, box office success, and prestige in recent years.
Last year, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” were number two and three at the domestic box office, and the 2024 Oscar Shorts releases have already broken $2 million globally since the ShortsTV presentation February 16.
“As both the Academy’s shorts and animation communities have grown, and to ensure they continue to thrive, the need for two individual branches became increasingly apparent,” Academy Short Films and Feature Animation branch governors Bonnie Arnold, Jinko Gotoh, and Marlon West said in a joint statement on...
Last year, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” were number two and three at the domestic box office, and the 2024 Oscar Shorts releases have already broken $2 million globally since the ShortsTV presentation February 16.
“As both the Academy’s shorts and animation communities have grown, and to ensure they continue to thrive, the need for two individual branches became increasingly apparent,” Academy Short Films and Feature Animation branch governors Bonnie Arnold, Jinko Gotoh, and Marlon West said in a joint statement on...
- 2/27/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Future Academy Awards ceremonies will look a little differently.
Ahead of the 2024 Oscars, which will take place March 10, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to make Short Films and Feature Animation Branch two distinct branches.
“The Academy is dedicated to advancing and evolving with our growing global membership and with the film industry,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a press statement. “Creating distinct identities for these unique and vital components of our cinema community is part of this needed progress.”
The Animation Branch represents approximately 700 Academy members working within every aspect of the animation industry. The branch will now have two governor representatives on the Board of Governors and oversee the Animated Feature Film and Animated Short Film awards. The Animated Feature Film Award category was established in 2001.
Meanwhile, the Short Films Branch comprises more than...
Ahead of the 2024 Oscars, which will take place March 10, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to make Short Films and Feature Animation Branch two distinct branches.
“The Academy is dedicated to advancing and evolving with our growing global membership and with the film industry,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a press statement. “Creating distinct identities for these unique and vital components of our cinema community is part of this needed progress.”
The Animation Branch represents approximately 700 Academy members working within every aspect of the animation industry. The branch will now have two governor representatives on the Board of Governors and oversee the Animated Feature Film and Animated Short Film awards. The Animated Feature Film Award category was established in 2001.
Meanwhile, the Short Films Branch comprises more than...
- 2/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the creation of two separate branches, dividing the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch into two distinct entities: the Animation Branch and the Short Films Branch.
The Animation Branch will represent approximately 700 Academy members working in the animation industry. This branch will have two governor representatives on the Board of Governors to oversee the animated feature film and animated short film awards.
The Short Films Branch consists of more than 200 members whose work spans narrative and nonfiction short filmmaking. This branch will have one governor representative, who will be elected for a term starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year and will oversee the live action short award.
“The Academy is dedicated to advancing and evolving with our growing global membership and with the film industry,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO and Janet Yang, Academy President in a statement.
The Animation Branch will represent approximately 700 Academy members working in the animation industry. This branch will have two governor representatives on the Board of Governors to oversee the animated feature film and animated short film awards.
The Short Films Branch consists of more than 200 members whose work spans narrative and nonfiction short filmmaking. This branch will have one governor representative, who will be elected for a term starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year and will oversee the live action short award.
“The Academy is dedicated to advancing and evolving with our growing global membership and with the film industry,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO and Janet Yang, Academy President in a statement.
- 2/26/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy board has voted to split the short films and feature animation branch as leadership cited the need to allow both communities to ”thrive”.
The change will result in 19 branches representing various facets of the film industry and comes into effect after the 96th Academy Awards on March 10. Final voting for this year’s Oscars ends on Tuesday.
The board of governors will remain at its current size of 55 members.
There are currently three governors representing the short films and feature animation branch. One governor will not be replaced when the term ends this year and an election will...
The change will result in 19 branches representing various facets of the film industry and comes into effect after the 96th Academy Awards on March 10. Final voting for this year’s Oscars ends on Tuesday.
The board of governors will remain at its current size of 55 members.
There are currently three governors representing the short films and feature animation branch. One governor will not be replaced when the term ends this year and an election will...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ nearly 10,000 members each belong to one of 18 branches. One of those branches, the short films and feature animation branch, is about to become two, a short films branch and a feature animation branch, the organization announced on Monday.
The move is the result of a vote by the Academy’s board of governors. It’s not yet clear what brought about the split, although members of the sizable feature animation community have long resented the fact that most, if not all, of the branch’s three governors have often been short filmmakers.
The board of governors is currently made up of 55 people, a massive number that can sometimes make for unwieldy decision-making. The Academy offered an assurance on Monday that the size of the board will not grow with the addition of a 19th branch: starting with the 2024-2025 season, the animation branch,...
The move is the result of a vote by the Academy’s board of governors. It’s not yet clear what brought about the split, although members of the sizable feature animation community have long resented the fact that most, if not all, of the branch’s three governors have often been short filmmakers.
The board of governors is currently made up of 55 people, a massive number that can sometimes make for unwieldy decision-making. The Academy offered an assurance on Monday that the size of the board will not grow with the addition of a 19th branch: starting with the 2024-2025 season, the animation branch,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A divorce on the board of AMPAS.
The board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Monday to make the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch two distinct branches: the Animation Branch and the Short Films Branch.
The move essentially has the effect of separating Animated Features and Animated Shorts from the Live Action Short, thus leaving the latter overseeing just live-action and nonfiction shorts, now downsized to just one governor repping it specifically. This is all very representative of the fact that animation, in its various forms, continues to explode.
The Animation Branch represents about 700 Academy members working within every aspect of the animation industry. The branch will have two governor representatives on the board of governors and oversee the Animated Feature Film and Animated Short Film awards.
The Short Films Branch comprises more than 200 Academy members whose artistic work encompasses both narrative and nonfiction short filmmaking.
The board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Monday to make the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch two distinct branches: the Animation Branch and the Short Films Branch.
The move essentially has the effect of separating Animated Features and Animated Shorts from the Live Action Short, thus leaving the latter overseeing just live-action and nonfiction shorts, now downsized to just one governor repping it specifically. This is all very representative of the fact that animation, in its various forms, continues to explode.
The Animation Branch represents about 700 Academy members working within every aspect of the animation industry. The branch will have two governor representatives on the board of governors and oversee the Animated Feature Film and Animated Short Film awards.
The Short Films Branch comprises more than 200 Academy members whose artistic work encompasses both narrative and nonfiction short filmmaking.
- 2/26/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Industry vets Dominic Glynn, Rob Legato, Nancy Richardson, Deborah Scott, Tom Sito and Sharon Smith Holley have accepted invitations to join the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Visual effects supervisor and VFX branch member Legato won Oscars for Titanic, Hugo and The Jungle Book. His VFX credits also include Apollo 13, The Aviator and Jon Favreau’s The Lion King. He most recently served as VFX supervisor and second unit director on Emancipation.
Costume designers branch member Scott also won an Oscar for her work on Titanic and her additional costume design credits include E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, Heat, The Patriot, Minority Report and Avatar: The Way of Water. She was the Costume Designers Guild’s 2023 Career Achievement Award recipient.
Pixar senior scientist Glynn’s work as an imaging and audio specialist helped to launch the world’s first...
Visual effects supervisor and VFX branch member Legato won Oscars for Titanic, Hugo and The Jungle Book. His VFX credits also include Apollo 13, The Aviator and Jon Favreau’s The Lion King. He most recently served as VFX supervisor and second unit director on Emancipation.
Costume designers branch member Scott also won an Oscar for her work on Titanic and her additional costume design credits include E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, Heat, The Patriot, Minority Report and Avatar: The Way of Water. She was the Costume Designers Guild’s 2023 Career Achievement Award recipient.
Pixar senior scientist Glynn’s work as an imaging and audio specialist helped to launch the world’s first...
- 11/28/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein among new intake.
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
There will be a lot of new faces in the room at the next meeting of the Board Of Governors of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences including actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Eleven first timers have been elected in the organizations annual election to select one third of the Board as eleven other members have termed off including Actors Branch Governor Whoopi Goldberg and Writers Branch Governor Larry Karaszewski. With AMPAS’ more stringent guidelines for service in place now two longtime Board members, Charles Bernstein (Music) and Jon Bloom (shorts and feature animation) are permanently off the Board, while others termed out can run again in two years.
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
- 6/22/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
As a result of elections that took place this year from June 5-9, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 55-person board of governors convenes in July, more than one-fifth of its seats will be occupied by people who were not a part of it in June.
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
- 6/22/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, documentary filmmaker Simon Kilmurry and writer Dana Stevens are among the 11 film professionals who have been elected to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Thursday.
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
- 6/22/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected Board of Governors. The governors, who set the Academy’s strategic vision and watch out for the organization’s financial health, will take office at the first scheduled board meeting of the new term. Wednesday the board voted to expand theatrical release requirements in order to qualify for Best Picture eligibility.
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2023-2024 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
From the importance of diversity in storytelling to the impact of Netflix and other streamers on the distribution marketplace, a panel of top content industry creatives and executives weighed pressing issues for the future of filmmaking.
The panel, held March 31 as part of the World Film Industry Conference and hosted by the nonprofit org NewFilmmakers LA, featured a master filmmakers’ dialogue moderated by Variety chief film critic Peter Debruge.
The panelists were drawn from different disciplines: Oscar-winning documentary director Morgan Neville, filmmaker/showrunner Aline Brosh McKenna, producer Paul Perez (Perez Pictures), Walt Disney Animation Studios vfx supervisor Marlon West and previsualization expert Chris Edwards (The Third Floor).
Whatever their achievements, one thing was clear, as “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creator McKenna put it: “We all have gatekeepers.”
Fresh off making her feature debut with “Your Place or Mine” at Netflix, McKenna explained that she found an ally for the Reese Witherspoon-...
The panel, held March 31 as part of the World Film Industry Conference and hosted by the nonprofit org NewFilmmakers LA, featured a master filmmakers’ dialogue moderated by Variety chief film critic Peter Debruge.
The panelists were drawn from different disciplines: Oscar-winning documentary director Morgan Neville, filmmaker/showrunner Aline Brosh McKenna, producer Paul Perez (Perez Pictures), Walt Disney Animation Studios vfx supervisor Marlon West and previsualization expert Chris Edwards (The Third Floor).
Whatever their achievements, one thing was clear, as “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creator McKenna put it: “We all have gatekeepers.”
Fresh off making her feature debut with “Your Place or Mine” at Netflix, McKenna explained that she found an ally for the Reese Witherspoon-...
- 4/19/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Four new members have joined the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy said Wednesday.
They include cinematographer and cinematography branch governor Paul Cameron, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Collateral and Man on Fire; production designer Tom Duffield, a governor in the production design branch whose credits include Patriots Day, Hell or High Water and Ed Wood; and short films and feature animation branch governor Marlon West, who is head of effects animation and a VFX supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios. His credits include Encanto, Frozen and Hercules.
The council is also welcoming back former co-chair Paul Debevec, a computer graphics and virtual production innovator and VFX branch governor who serves as a director of research for product innovation at Netflix and is an adjunct research...
Four new members have joined the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy said Wednesday.
They include cinematographer and cinematography branch governor Paul Cameron, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Collateral and Man on Fire; production designer Tom Duffield, a governor in the production design branch whose credits include Patriots Day, Hell or High Water and Ed Wood; and short films and feature animation branch governor Marlon West, who is head of effects animation and a VFX supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios. His credits include Encanto, Frozen and Hercules.
The council is also welcoming back former co-chair Paul Debevec, a computer graphics and virtual production innovator and VFX branch governor who serves as a director of research for product innovation at Netflix and is an adjunct research...
- 11/2/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Acadmy board is now 54 women and 28 from underrepresented groups.
Producer Jason Blum, actor Marlee Matlin and director Jason Reitman are among the big industry names elected for the first time to the board of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Revealing the line-up of its newly elected 2022-2023 board of governors, AMPAS reported that the board now compromises 54 women and 28 governors from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
Along with Blum, Matlin and Reitman, other first-time governors are Richard Hicks, from the Academy’s casting directors branch, Dion Beebe (cinematographers branch), Chris Hegedus (documentary branch), Nancy Richardson...
Producer Jason Blum, actor Marlee Matlin and director Jason Reitman are among the big industry names elected for the first time to the board of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Revealing the line-up of its newly elected 2022-2023 board of governors, AMPAS reported that the board now compromises 54 women and 28 governors from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
Along with Blum, Matlin and Reitman, other first-time governors are Richard Hicks, from the Academy’s casting directors branch, Dion Beebe (cinematographers branch), Chris Hegedus (documentary branch), Nancy Richardson...
- 6/22/2022
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, and past Oscar nominees producer Jason Blum and director Jason Reitman are among first-time members elected to the Board Of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as AMPAS announced its new 2022-2023 Board today.
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2022-2023 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
- 6/22/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 1958, Esquire published “A Great Day in Harlem,” a photo taken by Art Kane of 57 jazz musicians ranging from Thelonious Monk to Coleman Hawkins gathered together on a New York City stoop. In an homage to that historic picture, on June 5, 2022, Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Pictures organized “A Great Day in Animation,” which features 54 Black professionals working in animation today. Taken by Randy Shropshire with Jeff Vespa as production lead and obtained exclusively by Variety, the photo is above.
Though Nickelodeon and Paramount put the event together and hosted it on the Paramount backlot, “A Great Day in Animation” includes artists from all across the industry. The idea for the photo came from Marlon West, a visual effects supervisor for Disney whose credits include “The Lion King,” “Encanto” and the upcoming Disney+ series “Iwájú.” For decades, West has been moved by “A Great Day in Harlem,” as well as Jean Bach...
Though Nickelodeon and Paramount put the event together and hosted it on the Paramount backlot, “A Great Day in Animation” includes artists from all across the industry. The idea for the photo came from Marlon West, a visual effects supervisor for Disney whose credits include “The Lion King,” “Encanto” and the upcoming Disney+ series “Iwájú.” For decades, West has been moved by “A Great Day in Harlem,” as well as Jean Bach...
- 6/17/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The Brady organization against gun violence is calling on Hollywood writers, directors and producers to examine onscreen gun violence and depictions of gun safety, asking the creative community to sign a pledge that’s already garnered more than 200 signatures of such names as Judd Apatow, Shonda Rhimes, Damon Lindelof and Jimmy Kimmel and the writers of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The pledge, while noting that the “responsibility lies with lax gun laws supported by those politicians more afraid of losing power than saving lives,” acknowledges that “America’s storytellers” have the power to “effect change.”
“Cultural attitudes toward smoking, drunk driving, seatbelts and marriage equality have all evolved due in large part to movies’ and TV’s influence. It’s time to take on gun safety,” the Brady pledge states, and goes on to ask writers, directors and producers to, whenever possible, to:
Use creativity “to model responsible gun ownership and...
The pledge, while noting that the “responsibility lies with lax gun laws supported by those politicians more afraid of losing power than saving lives,” acknowledges that “America’s storytellers” have the power to “effect change.”
“Cultural attitudes toward smoking, drunk driving, seatbelts and marriage equality have all evolved due in large part to movies’ and TV’s influence. It’s time to take on gun safety,” the Brady pledge states, and goes on to ask writers, directors and producers to, whenever possible, to:
Use creativity “to model responsible gun ownership and...
- 6/13/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The nominees list for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Board of Governors has been revealed before its June 6-10 balloting.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
- 6/2/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has tapped top toon talents from across the African continent for “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire,” a Disney Plus Original anthology of animated films set to premiere on the Mouse House’s streaming platform in late 2022.
Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, the 10-part anthology brings together a slate of rising animation talents from six African nations to produce action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories that will present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives.
Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) will serve as executive producer, with Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston as supervising producers. Cape Town-based animation house Triggerfish, which received the prestigious MIFA Animation Industry Award in Annecy this year, will be the lead studio for the anthology, working in collaboration with animation studios across the continent and globally.
“We are bringing the work of a visionary...
Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, the 10-part anthology brings together a slate of rising animation talents from six African nations to produce action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories that will present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives.
Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) will serve as executive producer, with Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston as supervising producers. Cape Town-based animation house Triggerfish, which received the prestigious MIFA Animation Industry Award in Annecy this year, will be the lead studio for the anthology, working in collaboration with animation studios across the continent and globally.
“We are bringing the work of a visionary...
- 6/17/2021
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s “Frozen 2” may have failed to make the Oscar short list for VFX, but the crew certainly solved its share of technical challenges, most notably in the way the film handled the look of its liquid environment.
Marlon West, co-head of the film’s effects animation alongside Dale Mayeda, says while it’s flattering for audiences to think the movie’s water is so realistic that the team simply filmed it, that’s not the whole story. Part of the test for an animated feature is that every time it creates water, the look is inherently different from what has come before. “[This water] doesn’t look like ‘Moana’ water or ‘Big Hero Six’ water,” explains West. “This is actually very specific to the ‘Frozen’ universe.”
Stylization is what sets animated water apart from its live-action counterpart. “You really need to follow a shape language and have a visual rhythm, a visual style,...
Marlon West, co-head of the film’s effects animation alongside Dale Mayeda, says while it’s flattering for audiences to think the movie’s water is so realistic that the team simply filmed it, that’s not the whole story. Part of the test for an animated feature is that every time it creates water, the look is inherently different from what has come before. “[This water] doesn’t look like ‘Moana’ water or ‘Big Hero Six’ water,” explains West. “This is actually very specific to the ‘Frozen’ universe.”
Stylization is what sets animated water apart from its live-action counterpart. “You really need to follow a shape language and have a visual rhythm, a visual style,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Zoe Hewitt
- Variety Film + TV
Since getting the latest trailer for Frozen 2 last week, we have received a bit more news about the plot, and some key scenes that were revealed at the Annecy Animation Festival in France for the film. The heads of animation and effects over at Disney, Becky Bresee and Marlon West, revealed that the sequel will pick up three years after the events of the first film. Bresee said, via a report from THR:
“It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film.”
Bresee went on to add that the main question of the film is:
“Why was Elsa born with her powers?”
West added:
“[It's] about two sisters trying to stay together while the world tries to tear them apart.”
The key scenes that were...
“It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film.”
Bresee went on to add that the main question of the film is:
“Why was Elsa born with her powers?”
West added:
“[It's] about two sisters trying to stay together while the world tries to tear them apart.”
The key scenes that were...
- 6/17/2019
- by Jessica Fisher
- GeekTyrant
When Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck’s much-hyped “Frozen” sequel opens later this year, the Disney animated offering will likely answer some lingering questions leftover from the original smash hit. While early looks at the film have promised to explain the origin of Princess Elsa’s wintry powers, a new presentation from Disney brass at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival hints that the story is even more wide-ranging than previously disclosed. Like many Disney features, much of it might hinge on Elsa’s parentage.
Variety reports that during a special event held at Annecy’s lakeside Bonlieu Theater, “Frozen 2” head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects animation Marlon West shared a slew of new details about the film, including three new pictures (which you can see throughout this article) and a key note on time: the film will pick up three years after the original wrapped.
Bresee...
Variety reports that during a special event held at Annecy’s lakeside Bonlieu Theater, “Frozen 2” head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects animation Marlon West shared a slew of new details about the film, including three new pictures (which you can see throughout this article) and a key note on time: the film will pick up three years after the original wrapped.
Bresee...
- 6/15/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Disney is finally allowing the information freeze around Frozen 2 to melt down a little. The details around the highly anticipated animated sequel have been elusive until now, with Disney’s debuting of the first Frozen 2 footage and artwork at the Annecy Animation Festival. Head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects Marlon West were there to reveal […]
The post ‘Frozen 2’ Will Pick Up 3 Years After the First Movie; More Plot Details Revealed appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Frozen 2’ Will Pick Up 3 Years After the First Movie; More Plot Details Revealed appeared first on /Film.
- 6/14/2019
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Annecy, France — Disney Animation Studios, a long-time friend and collaborator of the Annecy Intl. Animation Festival, returned to the French town on Friday with three new shorts from its experimental animated shorts program Short Circuit, destined for Disney Plus, before providing an inside look at upcoming “Frozen 2.”
Held at Annecy’s lakeside Bonlieu Theater, “Frozen 2” head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects animation Marlon West shared behind the scenes details for the making of Disney’s most anticipated sequel in years, telling stories, showing photos and screening two scenes, never-before-seen outside of Disney’s Burbank studios.
Before the first clip, Bresee and West explained that the film kicks off, as did the first, when Elsa and Anna are still young girls. Their father regales the girls with a lavish bedtime story from his youth, when the young prince himself visited an enchanted elemental forest, before something went horribly...
Held at Annecy’s lakeside Bonlieu Theater, “Frozen 2” head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects animation Marlon West shared behind the scenes details for the making of Disney’s most anticipated sequel in years, telling stories, showing photos and screening two scenes, never-before-seen outside of Disney’s Burbank studios.
Before the first clip, Bresee and West explained that the film kicks off, as did the first, when Elsa and Anna are still young girls. Their father regales the girls with a lavish bedtime story from his youth, when the young prince himself visited an enchanted elemental forest, before something went horribly...
- 6/14/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Just a day after Disney dropped the trailer for Frozen 2, it debuted first footage and artwork at the Annecy Animation Festival in France.
Head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects Marlon West revealed that the story picks up three years after the ending of the first film. “It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film,” said Bresee, who said the main question of the film is: “Why was Elsa ...
Head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects Marlon West revealed that the story picks up three years after the ending of the first film. “It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film,” said Bresee, who said the main question of the film is: “Why was Elsa ...
- 6/14/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Just a day after Disney dropped the trailer for Frozen 2, it debuted first footage and artwork at the Annecy Animation Festival in France.
Head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects Marlon West revealed that the story picks up three years after the ending of the first film. “It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film,” said Bresee, who said the main question of the film is: “Why was Elsa ...
Head of animation Becky Bresee and head of effects Marlon West revealed that the story picks up three years after the ending of the first film. “It's an evolution and an expansion of the story of Frozen, and many of the questions raised in the first movie become the mysteries that our gang are trying to solve in this film,” said Bresee, who said the main question of the film is: “Why was Elsa ...
- 6/14/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney returns to the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 14th with three new shorts as part of Short Circuit, the studio’s experimental program launched in 2016 with “Cycles,” the Vr short directed by lighting artist Jeff Gipson.
The premiering shorts consist of “Just a Thought,” directed by Brian Menz; “Exchange Student,” directed by Natalie Nourigat (story artist on “Ralph Breaks the Internet”); and “Jing Hua” (“Flower in the “Mirror”), directed by Jerry Huynh. All three contain unique visual styles. Menz uses a Sunday comics look for “Just a Thought,” inspired by his awkward pre-teen memories; Nourigat utilizes a watercolor look for “Exchange Student”; and Huynh lends a gorgeous Chinese brushstroke technique to “Jing Hua.”
Short Circuit encourages everyone at Disney to pitch and offers an open environment for taking risks. The program began with the Cr short, “Cycles,” directed by Jeff Gipson and now all of these roughly...
The premiering shorts consist of “Just a Thought,” directed by Brian Menz; “Exchange Student,” directed by Natalie Nourigat (story artist on “Ralph Breaks the Internet”); and “Jing Hua” (“Flower in the “Mirror”), directed by Jerry Huynh. All three contain unique visual styles. Menz uses a Sunday comics look for “Just a Thought,” inspired by his awkward pre-teen memories; Nourigat utilizes a watercolor look for “Exchange Student”; and Huynh lends a gorgeous Chinese brushstroke technique to “Jing Hua.”
Short Circuit encourages everyone at Disney to pitch and offers an open environment for taking risks. The program began with the Cr short, “Cycles,” directed by Jeff Gipson and now all of these roughly...
- 5/16/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Coming off one of its most contentious years in history, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has sent out its list of candidates for its Board of Governors elections late this month.
The Board of Governors directs the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
Governors attend 6-8 board meetings annually (in person or by video conference when out of town). Each Governor also serves on one board oversight committee and their branch’s executive committee, and they are expected to represent their branch at numerous Academy events through the year.
Governors have fiduciary responsibilities imposed by state law to serve the Academy’s best interests, by acting with responsibility and care when approving annual goals presented by management, as well as major policies concerning governance.
CEO Dawn Hudson oversees a staff of more than 300 who conduct the Academy’s day-to-day business.
The Board of Governors directs the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
Governors attend 6-8 board meetings annually (in person or by video conference when out of town). Each Governor also serves on one board oversight committee and their branch’s executive committee, and they are expected to represent their branch at numerous Academy events through the year.
Governors have fiduciary responsibilities imposed by state law to serve the Academy’s best interests, by acting with responsibility and care when approving annual goals presented by management, as well as major policies concerning governance.
CEO Dawn Hudson oversees a staff of more than 300 who conduct the Academy’s day-to-day business.
- 5/10/2019
- by Michael Cieply and Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s innovative Meander drawing system, utilized on the Oscar-winning “Paperman” and “Feast” shorts, and one of 18 recipients of this year’s Academy Sci-Tech Award, was integral to “Moana’s” 2D/CG integration.
“It was used extensively by effects to do shot planning, and during the hand-drawn prologue, and on everything that was hand-drawn during the [Lin-Manuel Miranda] song, ‘You’re Welcome,'” Brian Whited, Disney’s senior software engineer, told IndieWire. He designed and developed Meander and will receive the Academy’s Sci-Tech Award on February 11th at the Beverly Wilshire.
Read More: ‘The Most Beautiful Shots in The History of Disney’ Highlights ‘Snow White,’ ‘Moana’ and Everything in Between — Watch
“Marlon West, the VFX supervisor, did drawings to guide the CG, and the effects animators ended up using those drawings directly in the final film,” added Whited. “They included the lightning bolts coming off of Maui’s hook. He found...
“It was used extensively by effects to do shot planning, and during the hand-drawn prologue, and on everything that was hand-drawn during the [Lin-Manuel Miranda] song, ‘You’re Welcome,'” Brian Whited, Disney’s senior software engineer, told IndieWire. He designed and developed Meander and will receive the Academy’s Sci-Tech Award on February 11th at the Beverly Wilshire.
Read More: ‘The Most Beautiful Shots in The History of Disney’ Highlights ‘Snow White,’ ‘Moana’ and Everything in Between — Watch
“Marlon West, the VFX supervisor, did drawings to guide the CG, and the effects animators ended up using those drawings directly in the final film,” added Whited. “They included the lightning bolts coming off of Maui’s hook. He found...
- 1/17/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Academy invitee Eddie Redmayne in 'The Theory of Everything.' Academy invites 322 new members: 'More diverse and inclusive list of filmmakers and artists than ever before' The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has offered membership to 322 individuals "who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures." According to the Academy's press release, "those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy's membership in 2015." In case all 322 potential new members say an enthusiastic Yes, that means an injection of new blood representing about 5 percent of the Academy's current membership. In the words of Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs (as quoted in the press release), in 2015 "our branches have recognized a more diverse and inclusive list of filmmakers and artists than ever before, and we look forward to adding their creativity, ideas and experience to our organization." In recent years, the Academy membership has...
- 7/1/2015
- by Anna Robinson
- Alt Film Guide
©Renzo Piano Building Workshop/©Studio Pali Fekete architects/©A.M.P.A.S.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week that the Los Angeles City Council, in a unanimous vote, approved plans for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Construction will begin this summer, and ceremonial groundbreaking festivities will occur this fall.
“I am thrilled that Los Angeles is gaining another architectural and cultural icon,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “My office of economic development has worked directly with the museum’s development team to ensure that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will create jobs, support tourism, and pay homage to the industry that helped define our identity as the creative capital of the world.”
“We are grateful to our incredible community of supporters who have helped make this museum a reality,” said Dawn Hudson, the Academy’s CEO. “Building this museum has been an Academy...
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week that the Los Angeles City Council, in a unanimous vote, approved plans for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Construction will begin this summer, and ceremonial groundbreaking festivities will occur this fall.
“I am thrilled that Los Angeles is gaining another architectural and cultural icon,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “My office of economic development has worked directly with the museum’s development team to ensure that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will create jobs, support tourism, and pay homage to the industry that helped define our identity as the creative capital of the world.”
“We are grateful to our incredible community of supporters who have helped make this museum a reality,” said Dawn Hudson, the Academy’s CEO. “Building this museum has been an Academy...
- 6/27/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Strangely dropping a press release on a historic day where the nation's attention is elsewhere, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed their annual list of new member invitees this morning. For those who criticize the makeup of the Academy there was some good news and the stark realization the organization still has a long way to go. The Academy has spent the last eight to 10 years attempting to diversify its membership and this year's class mostly reflects that. There are significantly more invitees of Asian and African-American descent, but the male to female disparity is still depressing. Out of the 25 potential new members of the Actor's Branch only seven are women. And, no, there isn't really an acceptable way for the Academy to spin that sad fact. Additionally, It's important to realize the 322 people noted in the release have only been invited to join Hollywood's most exclusive club.
- 6/26/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
To promote their new full length animated feature Frozen, Disney invited members of the press to Disney Animation Studios to check out how the film was made, and show us selected parts of the film before its November 27th release. Also, they made us this pretty cool animated video of our name!
In “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad)in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
Our day started at the incredible Disney Animation Studios, in Burbank, Ca.
While there, we met with directors Chris Buck (Tarzan) and Jennifer Lee (co-writer Wreck-it Ralph), as well...
In “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad)in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
Our day started at the incredible Disney Animation Studios, in Burbank, Ca.
While there, we met with directors Chris Buck (Tarzan) and Jennifer Lee (co-writer Wreck-it Ralph), as well...
- 10/11/2013
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From the natural soft powdery blanket to the magical icicle creations from Elsa's wintry powers, snow is actually considered a "character" in Disney's Frozen. According to the effects and technology supervisors, snow is so hard to make believable in CGI that the process is almost considered magic.
"This is a beautiful film, this is a rich film, a beautifully complex film," said Evan Goldberg, manager of technology. "How do you take realism and ground it in truth, and have techniques that allow us to art direct it?"
Thousands of people have laid hands on every single frame in the movie, so even the smallest details are correct in their design, artistry, and movement.
"We don't deal in realism here in Walt Disney Animation Studios, but we do deal in believability," said Marlon West, effects supervisor. "We're trying to make worlds that are immersive and believable."
The team did their homework...
"This is a beautiful film, this is a rich film, a beautifully complex film," said Evan Goldberg, manager of technology. "How do you take realism and ground it in truth, and have techniques that allow us to art direct it?"
Thousands of people have laid hands on every single frame in the movie, so even the smallest details are correct in their design, artistry, and movement.
"We don't deal in realism here in Walt Disney Animation Studios, but we do deal in believability," said Marlon West, effects supervisor. "We're trying to make worlds that are immersive and believable."
The team did their homework...
- 10/8/2013
- by cassandrahsiao@hotmail.com (Star Reporter Cassandra)
- kidspickflicks
Day 1
First I went to The Book of Eli: From Script to Screen panel with screenwriter Gary Whitta. He talked about his writing process and the development of the film. Really informative stuff. He also mentioned he's writing Warcraft and Akira! Next is the The Art of The Princess and the Frog panel with directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), art director Ian Gooding, supervising animator Eric Goldberg, and effects supervisor Marlon West. They show a lot of development photos including their trip to New Orleans. Cool artwork and pencil tests. Being in the same room as those guys was crazy. Legends of animation. Then it's time for the famous Kevin Smith Q&A. He brings down the house. So hilarious.
Day 2
Start things off with a hand-drawn animation demo with animator Eric Goldberg. He explains his latest character, Louis the alligator from The Princess and the Frog,...
First I went to The Book of Eli: From Script to Screen panel with screenwriter Gary Whitta. He talked about his writing process and the development of the film. Really informative stuff. He also mentioned he's writing Warcraft and Akira! Next is the The Art of The Princess and the Frog panel with directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), art director Ian Gooding, supervising animator Eric Goldberg, and effects supervisor Marlon West. They show a lot of development photos including their trip to New Orleans. Cool artwork and pencil tests. Being in the same room as those guys was crazy. Legends of animation. Then it's time for the famous Kevin Smith Q&A. He brings down the house. So hilarious.
Day 2
Start things off with a hand-drawn animation demo with animator Eric Goldberg. He explains his latest character, Louis the alligator from The Princess and the Frog,...
- 4/9/2010
- by josh@reelartsy.com (Joshua dos Santos)
- Reelartsy
Earlier today I caught a very entertaining panel at WonderCon in San Francisco moderated by Walt Disney Animation Studios visual effects supervisor Marlon West, who has spent the last few years working on Disney's The Princess and the Frog. While he did share a few short behind-the-scenes videos showing his work in that movie so far, the biggest bit of news to come out of the presentation came during the question and answer session, where West mentioned that Disney is looking to continue making one 2D hand drawn animated movie once every two or so years from now on. Good news for everyone? Definitely! It was easy to tell from the cheer that erupted when West first brought up The Princess and the Frog and 2D hand drawn animation that people still love that animation style. The Princess and the Frog is the first Disney movie since 2004 that is completely...
- 2/28/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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