Geeks, Restarted!

I've been redeveloping my old characters and comic on my off time, have some new ideas, hopefully I will have time to draw them!  Same general idea, just took time to develop the cast further, and refine and contrast the designs more.  Since there were only two completed comics before, figured I could just restart, and tell how these characters meet, and why they stick around each other.  Even if I don't get many completed now, which is likely, it's been really fun!  I hope to come back to it when I can!

Demo Reel Updated

Check out my new reel, featuring much of my work from Pixar Canada!

I've got arms...I can get this party started up in here!

So, in case you missed it last weekend, Partysaurus Rex opened in front of Finding Nemo 3D in theatres! (In the US and Canada at least.)  Be sure to go check it out!  Nemo looks great in 3D by the way, I'd heard good things and have to say, I think it arguably improves upon the scope and feeling of the film, visually.  Especially the wide shots of Marlin and Dory, small on screen but floating in the middle of the water.  It just seems to enhance the scale and environment, making it really feel like it's filmed in the ocean.  It's hard to describe--point is worth seeing.  It's a beautiful film, and I really discovered a new appreciation for its story too.  It's quite a different movie in how it progresses, and as has been pointed out, it keeps you invested and interested in the character's problems without a villian or other character intentionally trying to stop them.  It also takes time just to create a sense of wonder and beauty about the ocean.

Also worth seeing--Partysaurus Rex!  This is our 4th short at Pixar Canada, and it's a doozy.  After seeing it many times on a small computer screen, this short really fills the theater.  It looks great on the big screen, and the sound just fills the room!  Honestly, if you are interested in seeing it and can make it, don't miss the chance to see/hear it this way.  Every department was challenged in some way by the scope of it, and if you know something about computer animation, you'll see why.  Anyway, check it out if you can!

The kick butt poster was released over at Fandango!

And in case you missed the preview, here it is!  It may look like the party is starting in this video, but trust me--the party has not started yet.

No, it can't be! I just sent you back to the future!

Check out what we found on Amazon Instant Video and iTunes tonight!  Looks like Time Travel Mater is available for download!  Though according to these prices, I'd bet most people pay the $1.99 to Amazon and not $19.99 to iTunes... ;)  (No knowledge on this, but it seems like a typo.)  This was news to me, as was the poster image they used...Mater, McQueen, and Stanley, from one of my shots!  Check out the poster, in all its low-res glory! 

Also, I can't believe I missed the opportunity to use a Back to the Future reference when posting the broadcast date/time for this short.  It was aired on a Saturday night...so ya know...something like "Next Saturday night, we're sending you back--to the future!" would have worked.  Alas, that time has passed.

Oh, but if you missed it on ABC, and you get Disney Channel, check the schedule and set your DVR.  I think I read online that it will be airing multiple times throughout the week.

Later Mater!

Good news everyone!  Our third short, "Time Travel Mater" will be airing on ABC this Saturday, June 16th, during the broadcast of Cars, 8-11pm (eastern).  This is our second Cars Toon, and I think you'll see how much more comfortable we are animating the cars since Air Mater.  There's some really fun animation in it, and I think it's a really endearing and entertaining short!  Personally I'm really pleased with how it turned out, check it out if you can!

A couple of released images:

Here's a short clip from the film!

Freelancing stories from Animation Mentor

Yep, I'm still alive. :) I just noticed this article in this week's AM newsletter, which has some stories from animators who for one reason or another settled into a freelance lifestyle. They're all quite different stories from when I freelanced, I didn't seek out clients to create work myself out of my home, (I sought out work at studios), but the mindset about permanent vs temporary work was the same. Permanent work is hard to come by, and while I lucked out with my current position, I still think many animators and artists just don't know about opportunities outside of film or vfx, or think that's the only venue to produce high quality, gratifying work.  I also didn't find working job to job so bad when I didn't have to move to another city for each one, and was plugged into a good network of friends.  Anyway, it's always good to learn a bit more about the scope of our industry, if you find yourself looking for work.  The article has stories from Avner Engel, Martin Bell, Kenny Roy, and Chad Stewart.

Oh, and sorry that my blog update is half done, and that "test page" is still there ;) At some point I will get the full revamp up and running with links to my work, etc!