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Animation Feature

Short Fuze Secures $2 Million to Accelerate Mass Adoption of Consumer-Friendly Machinima Based Movie Making Application

 Cambridge (PRWEB) March 14, 2007 –- Cambridge based computer software company Short Fuze today announced that it has secured $2 million in Series A funding, co-led by Create Partners and IQ Capital Fund with a consortium of private angels participating. The funding follows the company's seed round of funding in October 2005.

posted by: lightning at 15:01 | link | comments |
movies, animation

Hand Turkey Studios Offers "Blender Basics" Training for Advanced Animation Software

Richmond-Area Design Entrepreneurs Expect to Draw Regional Participants for Workshop

Richmond, VA (PRWeb) February 17, 2007 -- Richmond-based Hand Turkey Studios (http://www.handturkeystudios.com) will offer a "Blender Basics" workshop on February 23, 2007 from 1pm to 5pm to teach Blender software animation techniques. The workshop will take place at the Work Factory (http://www.theworkfactory.com) and will cost $45.

Blender (http://www.blender.org) is an open source 3D modeling and animation software suite. The free program is comparable to high-end suites such as Maya and 3D Studio Max, which cost anywhere between $2,000-$6,000. Because of its low price tage (free) and powerful array of tools, Blender is most popular among small animation production houses, independent artists/filmmakers, and product designers in need of a visualization tool. Plus, because programmers have access to the software's open source code, they can add custom features to personalize the suite.

"Blender was originally designed as an in-house tool for a Dutch animation company," explained Jason van Gumster, Hand Turkey Studios partner and workshop trainer. "It's optimized for working very fast, though there is a fairly steep learning curve. This is especially true for people trying to teach themselves. We're offering our workshops because we use Blender for our day-to-day work and we feel that others can benefit from its strength as well, once they figure it out."

The Blender Basics workshop will cover the basics of using Blender, including familiarizing participants with its interface and steps required to create a 3D model and a small animation. Copies of Blender for all modern computing platforms and all files used in the workshop will be made available on DVD for course participants.


More Information About Hand Turkey Studios
Hand Turkey Studios is a Richmond, Virginia-based illustration, print, design and animation shop that specializes in advanced techniques, such as 3D modeling and animation.

Hand Turkey Studios has recently co-produced a Blender instructional DVD with CmiVFX. The DVD is the first in a series that covers the more sought-after, advanced features of Blender, such as the integrated fluid simulator. With the fluid simulator, animators can do everything from splash water in a glass to run a raging tsunami into a city.

For more information, visit http://www.handturkeystudios.com.

posted by: lightning at 13:33 | link | comments |
animation

Experienced Animator Shares the Extraordinary Story of the First African American Musician in an Awe-Inspiring New Book

Writer and Illustrator Alberto DeMello displays illuminating talent and creates an animated adaptation of the tale of Thomas Wiggins in The Blinding Light

LOS ANGELES (PRWeb) February 9, 2007 -- The Blinding Light by Alberto DeMello is based on the compelling true story of Thomas Wiggins, "Blind Tom", and honors the legacy he left behind.

Born into slavery in 1849, Thomas Wiggins went on to become the first African American pianist and composer. In The Blinding Light, author Alberto DeMello tells the remarkable story of how Wiggins not only overcame the binds of slavery, but also triumphed over two debilitating birth defects, blindness and autism. No matter his circumstances, Blind Tom persevered and ultimately achieved greatness and by doing so, paved the way for future African American musicians.

The Blinding Light is the perfect story of one man's ability to surmount obstacles and discover success. DeMello's storyline develops through his illustrations, which reflect the trials and accomplishments experienced by Blind Tom. Blind Tom exemplified courage, discipline, and determination, and he set an example for all.

Readers will learn anything is possible, and that persistence and dedication are rewarded. Uplifting and exciting, The Blinding Light will have readers taking control of their futures and deciding how they can make their own mark on the world.

For more information or to request a free review copy, please contact Carlos Tavares via e-mail. The Blinding Light is available for sale online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author
Working on sets in both design and layout roles, Alberto DeMello has contributed to the development and creation of many animated series, including Looney Toons, Tom & Jerry, Batman, She-Ra, and Mighty Mouse. DeMello was also a key layout artist for the original Fat Albert series. His experience in filmography and design compelled him to develop his own characters through which his experience and talent as an artist could be displayed. DeMello was born in Macao, China and currently resides in California.

About BookSurge
BookSurge LLC, an Amazon.com company, is a pioneer in self-publishing and print-on-demand services. Offering unique publishing opportunities and access for authors, BookSurge boasts an unprecedented number of authors whose work has resulted in book deals with traditional publishers as well as successful authorpreneurs who enhance or build a business from their professional expertise.

Check Amazon for The Blinding Light

posted by: lightning at 20:10 | link | comments |
music, books, animation

Making it easier to find voice talent for your animation project

Now Find Fully Produced Animation and Cartoon Voiceovers at Voice123 (voice123.com)

Voice123 voice talents now offer complete voiceover production for animation, cartoon, and character voiceover projects.

New York, NY (PRWeb) January 25, 2007 -- Voice123 (http://voice123.com), the leading voice over marketplace where voice over talents promote their voice services and voice talent seekers find the best voices for their projects, is now promoting the talent of professional voice over actors who can fully produce any type of voice over project for animation, cartoon, or character voiceover recordings.

In recent times, the demand for animation and character voices has naturally increased due to the growth the animation industry has experienced. Animation, cartoon, and character voices are used in dozens of radio and television commercials, movies, films, Internet advertising, audio books, video games, dubbing, multimedia, and other types of projects. Many times, project owners hire for voice overs and post-production separately, which sometimes can reduce project coordination and increase time frames. The search for both parts may turn tiresome, time consuming, and expensive.

Voice123 (http://voice123.com) is an online marketplace where everything can be done in one place, at the same time, and meeting the project owner's time and budget requirements. Voice123 has a database of more than 50,000 professional voiceover talents who can be searched for and hired online for any type of animation project. Voice over artists are experienced and integral voiceover performers who can create fully produced voiceover work. They do the voice over recordings as well as many types of post production work such as background music, mixing voices, sound effects, file encoding, among other.

To find the right voice over producer, voice talent seekers just have to post their projects on the Voice123 website or search the online voice actor database. In either case, the voice seeker will be able to read talents' resumes, hear voice over demos online, contact each voice talent, and determine if the talent is the best for the project. Regardless of the type of animation, cartoon, or character project or voice needed, voice talent seekers will always deal with very professional voiceover artist, ensuring high quality voice over work and with a fast turnaround.

posted by: lightning at 13:42 | link | comments |
entertainment, animation, websites

Comedy, Animation and old Ninjas

Adult Animation, Master Kush Peaks the Interest of Hollywood's "IT" Crowd

Adult Animation, Master Kush bravely crosses four genres: comedy, marijuana, martial arts and animation.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 13, 2007) - Adult Animation, Master Kush bravely crosses four genres: comedy, marijuana, martial arts and, of course, animation. Master Kush has fore runners: Afro Samurai, Dave Chappelle, Sacha Cohen's "Borat", and Boondocks to thank for paving its wicked journey. The main character, Master Kush, embodies the "what if" you combined Bruce Lee and Marlon Brando and they, "he" was dragged out of retirement and his lair in the Hollywood Hills to lead covert missions to stop the ICU (Illuminzai Central Union) and any other evil forces.

The Hollywood buzz is getting louder. 2007 Golden Globes nominee, Mark Wahlberg said, "Master Kush has great potential. I look for the project to do big things." Eragon and Friday Night Lights star Garrett Hedlund said, "I've screened Master Kush and I am looking forward to more episodes. Master Kush speaks to Generation X, Y, M, and me. There's going to be a little bit of Master Kush in everybody." Kush Boys has cleverly named the principle characters names synonymous with marijuana, i.e., Sativa, Kief Richards, Dank, Cecile Millia -- you get the point.

Hong Ying, the principle studio, provided all the animation services to bring Master Kush to life. Hong Ying Universe is the largest animation studio in China with an impressive portfolio that includes Disney, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, HBO, MTV and others. "We are looking forward to being in the forefront of urban content as China's urban culture develops." said Bobby Hsieh, President of Hong Ying.

Master Kush is in pre-production and is slated for the fall schedule. Fans are visiting the website http://ogmasterkush.com to view the trailer. For more information about Kush Boys Studios, contact show creator Drue Young by email drue @ ogmasterkush.com and/or producer Jamal Weathers by email jamal @ kushboys.com.

Kush Boys Studios LLC., is the parent company that houses the copyrights and trademarks for the multi-faceted literary and film project Master Kush and was founded in 2005, as a promotion, production, and marketing company. Our key strength is our production including animation concept, intellectual properties, illustration and graphic design, animation and video production, business strategy, merchandise and promotional packaging, licenses, advertising and innovative marketing campaigns.

The aja Group, LLC. Responsible for developing, managing and reinventing the images of talent in entertainment -- The aja Group's team offer the experience and know how on projects stemming from film and television production to publicity for celebrities and media driven events. We have parlayed our access and experience to drive results on behalf of Entertainment Properties, Corporate Brands and Events.

posted by: lightning at 14:53 | link | comments |
animation, comedy