Monday, December 19, 2011

"Dark Knight Rises" Trailer 1



The Dark Knight Rises Trailer has arrived and it is juicy! I also recently watched in IMAX the 6 minute prologue introducing Bane playing before Brad Bird's "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol". It too was action packed and intense, leaving me wanting more!
This film seems very much like its predecessors; unique and original interpretation's of the characters (in reference to film), intense action sequences, AMAZING storytelling... Out of all of these, I think I'm most excited to see more of Tom Hardy's interpretation of Bane. This guy can act and every second he's on screen, I notice myself feeling a little uneasy; questioning what this big guy is going to do next. His presence demands attention and Tom's take on the voice is quite chilling to say the least. Batman will have his hands full, there's no question about it. Will Tom Hardy's Bane have the same impact on audiences as the late Heath Ledger's Joker? From the looks of this trailer and the 6 minute prologue (which I highly recommend seeing along with Ghost Protocol), I'd say yes... This guy is going to be a great villain and this is going to be a great film!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Seth MacFarlane's "Ted"

I LOVE SETH MACFARLANE!!! I've been a huge Family Guy fan (Giggity) now for a while and I do appreciate Seth MacFarlane's humor (although absurd sometimes), it gives me the hard-core giggles! This is why I was super excited to hear about his directorial debut in feature films... Seth co-wrote and is directing "Ted", a film about a little boy who wishes his toy bear would come to life, and does...
The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane as the voice of Ted (who will be CG animated). Being that this film will have an R rating, be expecting MacFarlane's one-of-a-kind humor. Also have a couple of really close friends animating on this show, which has me totally "geeking out" and excited for them - really cool project fellas; seems like it's going to be a very FUN production!
Really wanting to see this one on the big screen! "Ted" is due out in theaters July 13, 2012 :)
...giggity, Giggity, Goo ;)

"Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"














Sadly I did not read the original novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, BUT I am still very much looking forward to seeing this film! ...and then I'll read the novel ;)
One thing that always gets me excited about upcoming films are really well done one sheets and these 2 get HIGH marks!!! Love the mood lighting and the deep shadow hiding Abe's face. With axe in hand, sitting casually this President is one stylized vampire killer :)
Blood suckers beware, "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" hits theaters June 22, 2012.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Ridley Scott's "Prometheus"

Ridley Scott's prequel to Alien (the 1979 smash hit) is almost here!!! “Prometheus” is the name of the Greek titan who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humankind – only to be horribly punished for his actions by being strapped to a rock and having an eagle eat his regenerating liver out every day, for the rest of eternity...
Rumors have it the Scott's Prometheus too involves a "higher being" who is punished for stealing technology from more powerful beings and handing it over to humans. Word is, this story should give us insight into "the space jockey" and its purpose / history. I for one CAN'T WAIT!!!!
I've been a fan of this franchise AND of Ridley Scott for as long as I can remember. The film has an all-star cast in Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Patrick Wilson, Logan Marshall-Green, Sean Harris, and Katie Dickie. Scheduled to hit theaters June 8th 2012, this one you can be sure I will not miss!!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Congratulations to all the Ape Animators!

I just wanted to give an extra BIG CONGRATULATIONS to my good friend Jeffrey Engel and all the Weta Animators who contributed outstanding work on "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"!!!!
With all the controversy going on regarding Andy Serkis, the Academy Award Nominations, etc... I thought it was important just to recognize, what I consider some of the best character animation to date! Really strong work Jeff and company... You all should be VERY proud! You made something special and set the bar for future films to come. I applaud you all, BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!

...and in the end, we all know who REALLY did the work ;)
really inspiring film, animators... Thank You and Congratulations again on a job WELL done!

DD's Tradition Studios & "The Legend of Tembo"

This is some really exciting news in the world of animation. Digital Domain is diving into full-feature 3D animated films... YAAAAAAEEEEEEHHHHH!!!!! They recently built a new, $40 million, state-of-the-art studio down in Port St. Lucie, FL that they are branding Tradition Studios. With the promise to house 500 jobs and the ambition to create original family fun features, Digital Domain is definitely paying attention to the top box office numbers over the past decade and wants to tap into the costly, yet highly successful 3D animated films.
Tradition Studios first feature will be titled, "The Legend of Tembo". Directed by former Walt Disney Animation veterans Aaron Blaise and Chuck Williams, Legend of Tembo tells a story of a young African elephant who is captured, separated from his family and taken to India to be used in battle. Young Tembo must become something he is not in order to return home...
I LOVE the concept. It has character arc written all over it and I think its a very meaningful story that will definitely make an impact on audience members alike.
"The Legend of Tembo", is slated to be released in the fall of 2014. It will be at the top of my list.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sony Pictures Imageworks & "Hotel Transylvania"


I have gone throughout my entire life LOVING monster films! Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman... these classic characters have all left an impression on us in one way or another. Even though they can be intimidating at times, we as audience members and fans have grown to love them. All thanks to Sony Pictures Imageworks and Director Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Lab, Samurai Jack), we get to see another side of are beloved "monsters".
Due out Sept. 2012, "Hotel Transylvania" is the story of a 5 star resort where monsters go to escape the human world. The resort is run by Count Dracula (Voiced by Adam Sandler) who is an overprotective father trying to keep his guest happy as well as watch after his very adventurous teenage daughter and her new found love, a human boy...
I have GREAT news... I was recently hired on at Sony and I am EXTREMELY excited to have the privilege of working on this film!!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Sony and everyone at the studio for giving me this amazing opportunity! THANK YOU to my loved ones for always being positive and supportive :) I can't explain how much this experience is going to mean to me. This film is going to be so much fun to work on and I'm sure it will be nothing less than a classic to families and monster fans alike!

Monday, September 12, 2011

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked"

Here is the next upcoming film I had the privilege of animating on over at Rhythm & Hues. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked" has not only been a terrific show to work on, but an amazing production as well. I have to give credit where credit is due: Mike Mitchell (director), James Kinnings and Ryan Donoghue (animation directors) were an absolute pleasure to work with!! I truly can't speak highly enough about these extremely talented individuals. With their direction and positive motivation we made a excellent film that will have the whole family laughing!
The Chipmunks are back and they are better then ever!! Definitely a must see for families and animation lovers alike - trust me, you won't be disappointed :)
Great work, great film, GOOD TIMES!!!!
This third installment to the franchise is due out late December 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

"Mr. Popper's Penguins"

Penguins are quite cute... and that's why this film is simply adorable!! "Mr. Popper's Penguins" is the film we are currently working on at R&H. It's the story of a man who mistakenly is left to care for 6 very playful penguins and how they turn his life "upside down". I highly recommend this film to anyone, especially animal lovers, families, and people who love Jim Carrey (who is the star of the movie... along with the penguins)!! It is a fun and sincere film that will definitely pull the heartstrings. "Mr. Popper's Penguins" hits the theaters, June 17th of this year. I hope you all enjoy it and I'll see ya at the movies :)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

"Hop"

Here's the first film I've been working on at Rhythm & Hues... It's creatively titled "Hop" and as I'm sure you can see by the image of the cute, very appealing characters and by the title, it's about the Easter Bunny :) The film has a lot of great qualities to it, BUT I can't give any of those away - you'll just have to see the film. What I can tell you is that it stars Russell Brand as E.B. the teenage son of the Easter Bunny who flees to Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer in a band. It is produced by Illumination - the people who brought us "Despicable Me" and directed by Tim Hill. It opens April 1st and will be a great film to take the kids to around the Easter Holiday... as well as all you Russell Brand fans (myself included), you'll enjoy seeing the VERY funny British Comedian on the big screen as a full CG bunny rabbit :) It truly is a fun film and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy a good laugh AND chocolate !!!!!

Rhythm & Hues: My New Home

I know it's been a while since my last post, BUT for good reason... I have a new job, a new home, and have been in production, working like a "crazy" person!! It's been hectic, but good fun all the same. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Rhythm and Hues for giving me an opportunity and a chance to contribute to all their wonderful films!! I also want to thank them for providing a work environment that is engineered to letting me grow as an animator and an artist!! So far, EVERYONE has been so nice, from the upper management and supervisors, to all the artist and production staff that inhabit the studio. Modest and humble attitudes go along way for any person to feel accepted and confident in their abilities. When you have those characteristics in your leader or in this case, your CEO, I truly believe that it resonates throughout the studio to all your staff and we all benefit from it as professionals. Thank You John Hughes for setting the example and creating such a magical studio... A studio I am proud to be apart of!!!