Radiator Springs 500 1/2

**UPDATE 10/03/14**The full short can now be viewed on the Disney video website, so you don't have to create an account on Disney Movies Anywhere to view it.  Also, just watch it here, embedded below!


Radiator Springs 500 1/2

Hey all!  Just wanted to post that "Radiator Springs 500 1/2" was recently released on Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney's streaming website.  It's free to watch, but does require creating an account (also free).  RS500 was the second to last short we produced at Pixar Canada, and I think showcases how much all departments in the Vancouver studio grew over three years, specifically in the "Cars" world.  The next one I believe we were even more fluent in that world, and it will always be a question as to how much better we would have gotten.  As I'm sure anyone would tell you, we grew a lot, but of course had more to learn.  I see that in my own work already.

Still, with the distance I have now, I'm proud of the end result, and the care that really brought it to life.

Which leads me to a quote that I think is appropriate for ending this post.  It's a lesson that was really a big take-away from the whole Pixar Canada experience.  I'd experienced it before, but perhaps appreciate it more maturely now.  I was reading The Illusion of Life today for inspiration, (some of it, it's long!), and the third paragraph of the Preface says something that I think is often forgotten when trying to produce "great" work, or when creative people are afraid of making a good impression, or demanding it from others, or themselves:

"It is, perhaps, misleading to credit specific artists with the drawings we show in the book, since this might imply that both the idea and style came from one person; for this was seldom the case."

It truly is the caring, generous, and forgiving team, or people, who help us reach for our goals.  Take pride in your accomplishments, yes, but take comfort in this good news.

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!