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.

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!

"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

"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 :)

"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!!!

A New Shot Titled: "I'm Sorry"

I've been out of commission for a while, but for good reason... Busy, busy, busy !!!
My contract at ImageMovers Digital ended at the end of Sept. and I was able to go visit family and friends on some downtime in Oct. Since then I've started this new shot at home and started a new contract at Rhythm and Hues.
I wanted to post the blocking for the new shot because I will not be working on it again until I finish my contract at R&H (January/February). Keep in mind that it's still in a very rough blocking phase. Just giving the main storytelling poses, timing and layout of the shots, composition, and hopefully, the understanding of the story I am trying to tell. Please let me know if it makes sense and if it's feeling right. The pink slip in his hand is representing the loss of his job. I believe it was a metaphor back in the 30's or 50's for loosing work... Anyways, hope you enjoy it in its roughest of forms and I will definitely post more versions as I get the chance to work on it.
Thanks You for any and all thoughts, comments, suggestions, and feedback!!