Behind the Magic: "Marvel's The Avengers" - Anatomy of a Shot

100 Years of Visual Effects in 5 minutes

Pacific Rim Official Trailer

The Mill’s ‘City of Possibilities’ commercial

City of Possibilities from The Mill on Vimeo.

Produced, designed and directed entirely by The Mill NY, Norfolk Southern: 'City of Possibilities,' showcases the transformative power freight shipping. Using a balance of cutting-edge visual effects and whimsical charm, the spot seamlessly blends mesmerizing CGI characters into a live action world.

Bates Motel - Teasers

Here are two teasers of the show that I am working on. Love it!

Quit Smoking - Animated Ads

Came across this great post on CGHub. These wonderfully creative ads were created by Minneapolis Minnesota based studio, MAKE.  They created these two Quit Smoking public service announcements, using live action plates and some fantastic 2d character animation.


Check it out here:
http://cghub.com/blog/view/quit-smoking-animated-ads/

NUKE 7.0 DepthGenerator Particles

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) Trailer

NUKE 7.0 VFX Tool Improvements

'Justice League' In 2015 - Might Battle 'Avengers' Sequel In Three Years

It looks like the battle between Marvel and DC will extend beyond cinematographers. According to the Los Angeles Times, Warner Bros. is hoping to release "Justice League" in the summer of 2015, the same summer that "Marvel's The Avengers 2" will arrive in theaters.

In a fashion similar to "Marvel's The Avengers," which grossed $1.5 billion around the globe after its release in May, "Justice League" would combine the talents of Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Batman into one film. "Gangster Squad" screenwriter Will Beall was hired to write "Justice League" last year, but no director or cast has been set. Ben Affleck was rumored to be in the running for "Justice League," both as director and potential star, but he shot down the notion as nothing but speculation.

"I'm not working on the 'Justice League,'" Affleck told the Canadian outlet 24 Hours. "One of the problems with entertainment web sites is that they need to fill pages, and that's how rumors get started. 'Justice League' sounds really exciting, but it's not something I'm working on."

"Marvel's The Avengers 2" is already locked in for a May 1, 2015 release, meaning that year could look a lot like 2012: "The Avengers" exploded out of the gate in May, and "The Dark Knight Rises," another DC Comics adaptation from Warner Bros., cleaned up two months later in July.

(huffingtonpost.com)

NUKE 7.0 ModelBuilder

Halloween Spirit in VFX

The Green Ruby Pumpkin from miguel ortega on Vimeo.
The Green Ruby Pumpkin is a magical and fun short film that captures the enchantment of Halloween.
It was a passion project that was created by two Senior visual effects artists.
Miguel Ortega and Tran Ma.

This Entire project was shot in the living room.
watch the making of here: https://vimeo.com/51538157

NUKE 7.0 Sneak Peek

Marvel's The Avengers 2 releasing on May 1, 2015

Following the announcement that Joss Whedon is returning to write and direct Marvel's The Avengers 2 (Marvel Studios and Disney say the film is still untitled for now) comes official word that the release date for the sequel has been set for May 1, 2015. There is no other movie scheduled for that date yet.

The first film, released on May 4, has earned $1.462 billion at the worldwide box office, which makes it the third-biggest release ever trailing only James Cameron's Titanic ($2.185 billion) and Avatar ($2.782 billion). "The Avengers" has earned $617.3 million domestically and $844.6 million overseas.

The team-up sequel will be preceded by Iron Man 3 on May 3, 2013, Thor: The Dark World on November 8, 2013, Captain America: The Winter Soldier on April 4, 2014 and Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014.

-(Walt Disney Pictures)

Warner Brothers Wants ‘Batman’ Reboot To Hit Theaters In 2016

It turns out Warner Bros. really wants to reboot the Batman franchise, and it all might be happening sooner than you think. Even after Christopher Nolan's fantastic ending, the studio wants the Caped Crusader to return to the big screen in just four short years.

Cosmic Books News is reporting that Warner Bros. wants the new Batman movie to follow the Justice League movie (tentative release date for that is 2015). However, this reboot won't be another origin story (like The Amazing Spider-Man), instead it'll focus on Batman's second year as a hero. The film may be titled The Batman.

But wait, there's more details. This new Batman "will be part of the same shared DC Universe that features the Justice League Movie as well as having Henry Cavill in the role of Superman in Justice League and subsequent sequels to the Man of Steel."

 

(latino-review.com)

Jurassic Park 4 To Be The Biggest Yet

Jurassic Park 4 is set to be the bigger and better than any of the previous dinosaur films when it reaches cinemas next year.

With the news that legendary Planet of the Apes scriptwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver have been hired for the project, Jurassic Park 4 is sure to be a blockbuster hit. For many, the second and third Jurassic Park installments were never as good as the original, but after a break and with a fresh new writing team on board, the thought of Jurassic Park 4 coming to cinemas in July, 2013 is an exciting prospect.

Although Stephen Spielberg will not be directing the film, he will be involved in the production with Kathleen Kennedy. Unlike the first three films, Jurassic Park 4 will be shot in 3D. Despite the decline in popularity of 3D films in recent months, this is one film that will be great in 3D, bringing the dinosaurs that one step closer to real life. With great technological advancements since the first Jurassic Park release, this movie certainly has award-winning potential for visuals.

The storyline for Jurassic Park 4 is still unclear, however indications show that the movie will not be a sequel or remake of the previous films, but instead feature a new cast perhaps set away from the small dinosaur inhabited island. Taking the setting away from the island and perhaps into mainland could be the fresh new spin necessary for the franchise. This Godzilla style plot could be the perfect opportunity for a dramatic catastrophic end to the iconic dinosaur films.

 

(crazyjoys.com)

Peter Jackson Plans Shoot For Third Hobbit Movie - Waits For Studio Greenlight

Peter Jackson had first hinted at the San Diego Comic-Con that he wanted to shoot more footage for "The Hobbit" films, but now it looks the filmmaker and Warner Bros. Pictures are getting serious about even developing a third film.

Heat Vision is reporting that Jackson wants to turn his two-film adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien epic into a trilogy and that additional shooting would take place next summer for about two months in New Zealand if he comes to an agreement with the studio.

According to the site, "Warner Bros., Jackson, producer Fran Walsh and writer-producer Philippa Boyens began exploring the logistics of what it would take to make another movie. Those talks are said to have accelerated in recent days, with the studio on board if the right financial arrangements can be achieved. That includes securing new actor deals for the expansive cast as well as shoring up certain rights associated with the property (The Hobbit has a long a tortured rights history.)"

A source for the trade added, "If we're going to do it, we have to make a decision soon. It's strongly driven by the filmmakers' desire to tell more of the story. It's about taking the chance to tell more of the incredible tale with the cast we have assembled."

The first installment, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will hit theaters and IMAX on December 14. The Hobbit: There and Back Again will follow on December 13, 2013. A third film would presumably follow sometime in 2014.

 

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

'Finding Nemo 2' in the works for 2016 release

Huge news for fans of the 2003 Pixar computer-animated aquatic comedy film Finding Nemo, as a sequel has been announced and will be in production soon.

Andrew Stanton, the Oscar winning filmmaker from Massachusetts who also penned and directed the original, box-office breaking feature, has agreed to handle the project; after heading behind the camera for the box office disappointment John Carter.

Stanton has years of experience under his belt, having written screenplays for major animated successes like Monsters, Inc., and the Toy Story movies. Now, the 46 year old filmmaker will be finding Nemo all over again.

The beloved orange clownfish became a firm fan favourite, after provoking a series of cooing sounds and "awwws" around the world with the original Finding Nemo. The film earned very positive reviews and has made close to a billion dollars world-wide.

Finding Nemo 2  is set to follow the Toy Story sequel and the upcoming Monsters Inc. prequel.

Stanton has said of the project:

"I'm sure you'll see some other sequels of things as they grow because now we are not so blinded. It's the originals that keep us really going and it's the sequels that are like comfort food, and I think it's the same way for the audience."

Source: Deadline

Dreamworks Anim "Kung Fu Panda 3"

DreamWorks Animation CCO Bill Damaschke has confirmed that a third "Kung Fu Panda" film is in the works says Variety.

The studio didn't not confirm any casting, but it's expected Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman will return along with Furious Five cast members.

 

 

(darkhorizons.com)

Oz The Great and Powerful - Trailer

The Amazing Spider-Man breaks the record for a Tuesday opening in North America

Sony took a gamble and a half by rebooting the Spider-Man franchise rather than pressing ahead with Sam Raimi’s proposed Spider-Man 4, but right now, we suspect it’s champagne all round in the studio’s boardroom.

In a single day, The Amazing Spider-Man took a reported $35m at the box office, which breaks the record for a Tuesday opening. It’s some way off the opening day record set by Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 last year ($91m), and below that of Spider-Man 3 ($59.8m). However, opening on a Tuesday was always likely to dampen the figure, and The Amazing Spider-Man should bring in a major chunk of cash across the July 4th holiday in America. By next Monday, the film may well be in the $150m region, if not more.

(denofgeek.com)  

Oscars Rules Changes - Visual Effects Affected

 The film academy's Board of Governors has instituted rules changes that affect the music, foreign language, makeup and visual effects categories for the Oscars.

The makeup category has been renamed to include hairstyling, and within that category, all branch members who have seen the seven shortlisted titles will receive ballots to list their top three choices during the nominations process.

In the original song category, the exec committee will now be able to recommend that a fourth songwriter for an individual song be considered "in rare and extraordinary circumstances." Since 2005, the limit has been two songwriters with a third possible if found to be "an essentially equal contributor."

In visual effects, the number of potential nominees chosen by the branch's exec committee (via secret ballot) will be 10. Previously, there could be as few as seven.

And for foreign language, films must be submitted to the Academy in 35mm or (DCP (digital cinema package), but are no longer required to be exhibited in those formats in their countries of origin.

The rules changes were approved at this week's Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences meeting of the Board of Governors.


Source: chicagotribune.com

Radical Entertainment shut down

Radical Entertainment, the Canadian studio behind Prototype and Scarface: The World Is Yours, has closed.

The news was confirmed by various industry figures on Twitter, including the studio's audio designer Rob Bridgett, who tweeted: "RIP Radical Entertainment 1991-2012". Read more..

"The Avengers" Passes $600 million

[Source: darkhorizons.com]

Marvel's "The Avengers" is expected to cross the $600 million U.S. domestic box-office mark today, its 54th day of release, making it only the third film in history to reach that milestone.

It now sits only behind "Avatar" with $760.5 million and "Titanic" with $658.6 million. Though still earning solidly, the final tally is expected to end up around the $630-640 million mark.

Outside the States, the film has raked in $837.9 million thus far - extremely impressive but not as significant a hit as "Avatar" or "Titanic" which took in $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion respectively in foreign markets alone.

In terms of non-US grosses it's currently fourth highest in history behind those two Cameron films and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" which scored $947 million overseas.

With the added domestic total back in though its current worldwide haul stands at a whopping $1.4 billion.

Rainmaker sells animation studio to Xing Xing Digital

Just two days after Vancouver-based Rainmaker Entertainment announced Catherine Winder will step down as the company’s president and executive producer on June 30, Rainmaker has revealed it’s selling its animation studio to Beijing-based animation company Xing Xing Digital. Read more..

Google I/O Live

Incredible Visual Effects of Prometheus

Prometheus sure has some incredible VFX work. This video has interviews with overall visual effects supervisor Richard Stammers, and Fuel VFX supervisor Paul Butterworth.
Fuel worked on many of the amazing holograms and graphics in Prometheus, including for the star map orrery sequence.

VIEW Conference announces guests for 2012, so far

GARY RYDSTROM
Sound Designer, Skywalker Sound, Winner of 7 Academy Awards, BRAVE, WAR HORSE,
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, TOY STORY, A BUGS LIFE, FINDING NEMO, JURASSIC PARK

Gary Rydstrom has been nominated for 16 Academy Awards™ (7 wins), 12 Golden Reel
Awards (5 wins), 5 C.A.S Awards (2 wins), and 5 BAFTA Awards (2 wins). Gary Rydstrom
can truly be described as one of the inventors of modern cinema sound design. After gaining
invaluable experience as a sound technician on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,
he went on to design the sound for the comedy Spaceballs. Rydstrom’s sound design for
Backdraft was the precursor for his design for some of the biggest blockbusters (and most
memorable soundscapes) in modern cinema – here is just a small sampling of the many films
he has helped create: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (which earned Rydstrom two Academy
Awards™- Best Sound and Best Sound Editing), Jurassic Park (the very first motion picture
to be presented in DTS Digital Theater System, which earned him another two Academy
Awards™, again for Best Sound and Best Sound Editing), Titanic (Academy Award™ for Best
Sound), Saving Private Ryan (two Academy Awards™ for Best Sound and Best Editing),
Minority Report and Finding Nemo. He has recently made his directorial debut with the Pixar
animated short, Lifted, for which he received his fourteenth Academy Award™ nomination; for
the same studio he directed and wrote the screenplay for the 2011 animated short Hawaiian
Vacation.


ERIC DARNELL
Director of the MADAGASCAR trilogy. Eric brings to VIEW MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S
MOST WANTED

Eric Darnell is the writer/director of Madagascar (2005), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
(2008) and this summer’s major release Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Eric’s feature
directorial debut was as co-director (with VIEW 2010 keynote speaker Tim Johnson) of Antz,
the very first computer animated feature produced by Pacific Data Images/DreamWorks
Animation, in 1998. After graduating with degrees in broadcast journalism from the
University of Colorado and in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the
Arts, Eric joined Pacific Data Images, where he worked as a character animator on the 1991
Hanna-Barbera Halloween special The Last Halloween, and was the writer/director/lead
animator for the Pacific Data Images short film Gas Planet. In addition to his directing duties,
Eric also wrote the song “Welcome to Duloc” for the 2001 film Shrek, for which he also
worked as story artist.


DAN ATTIAS
Director, Winner of the Directors Guild of America Award, DR. HOUSE, THE SOPRANOS,
LOST, THE WIRE, SIX FEET UNDER

Dan Attias has directed many of the most celebrated American television shows in recent
history, including The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, Lost, Six Feet Under, Homeland,
Damages, Big Love, Dr. House, Alias, Heroes, True Blood, The Killing, Northern Exposure, and
Entourage. He has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and has won the Directors
Guild of America Award for Distinguished Directing in Episodic Drama. A gifted storyteller
and teacher, Dan will speak about how he approaches story, both in his preparation for a
project and in the actual production of a television episode.


JOSH HOLMES
Creative Director of HALO. Josh will premiere at VIEW HALO 4

Josh Holmes is an accomplished video-game producer and designer best known for his work
as Executive Producer and then Creative Director for the multi-billion dollar video-game
franchise Halo. Holmes is currently the Franchise Creative Director for 343 Industries, the
Microsoft Game Studios unit formed to to oversee development of Halo, which includes
video games, novels, comics, and other multimedia content. Josh turned to game design after
several years pursuing a career as a film actor, and his early training in drama and storytelling
continues to inform his work as a game designer. Holmes got his start in the video-game
business in 1995 at the Burnaby, Canada campus of gaming giant Electronic Arts. At EA, Josh
created the hit Def Jam series of fighting games, as well as the NBA Street series. In 2005, Josh
cofounded the Vancouver based video-game studio Propaganda Games, which was acquired
by Disney Interactive shortly after it opened. Holmes left Propaganda Games in 2008, moved
to Microsoft where in 2009 he was an Executive Producer on Halo Waypoint and Halo Reach,
and now heads up all creative on what has become one of the biggest gaming franchises of all
time.

                                                                                                                                                       


New contests!

VIEW SOCIAL CONTEST / a movie, a short, a music video or an advertising using 2D/3D
animation and/or VFX focusing on current social themes / deadline 15 September / First
Prize: 1500€

VIEW AWARD / animated short with 2D/3D animation and VFX / videogames / deadline 15
September / First Prize: 2000€

ITALIANMIX / inspiring works by Italian filmmakers or byforeign filmmakers but having as
their topic Italy or Italian subjects / deadline 15 September

GRIMM ANIMATED / animated short films with a maximum length of 5 minutes that
explore Grimms classics innovatively / deadline 24 August / First Prize: 1500€

PAPERS, WORKSHOPS and ARTWORK / deadline 31 July

VIEW Conference will take place in Turin from 16th to 19th October 2012 while the VIEWFest
will be from the 19th to the 21th.

For more info about the contests and the conference please visit the official website
http://viewconference.it

Prometheus - About the Spaceship

Ridley Scott's epic thriller PROMETHEUS takes its name from the spectacular, state of the art spaceship that transports its crew to a distant, foreboding world. Experience The Prometheus, when the film lands in theaters everywhere June 8.

2D to 3D conversion

FX Guide recently published an article which goes in-depth about the 2D to 3D conversion process. The article also contains case studies from movies such as The Avengers, Titanic, John Carter, Star Wars: Episode I.

Read the article here: Art of Stereo Conversion: 2D to 3D – 2012 -By Mike Seymour

Image from fxguide

Sunset Boulevard: Martina + Reem Photography

Assisted in this PhotoShoot. It was great! I love their work.

Check out more pictures here: Martina + Reem Photography

The Amazing Spider-Man - New Trailer