Category: Blog

An Interview with Will Vinton

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you know of Will Vinton. He’s the man who coined and, in 1978, registered the term “claymation” to describe his films’ use of stop-motion animated clay. He’s responsible for some of the most well-recognized ad spokesmen of the twentieth century in this style – the California Raisins and the Red and Yellow M&Ms. He’s won an Oscar and multiple Emmys; all while working from his home base in Portland, Oregon. Continue reading... “An Interview with Will Vinton”

ASIFA Portland presents Shorts3

ASIFA Portland proudly announces Shorts3, an afternoon of animation with Portland legends Joan Gratz, Marilyn Zornado, and Jim Blashfield, hosted by Dennis Nyback.

On July 24, at 1pm, at Cinema 21, we’ll be viewing new and recent works from these ground-breaking and award-winning artists, with audience Q/A and discussion. This event is free to members of ASIFA, $5 general admission.

Joan Gratz has received Academy Awards for her kinetic claypainting, and her latest animation delivers even more of the same delight.  Continue reading... “ASIFA Portland presents Shorts3”

New Details from “Paranorman” Directors on the film

Today in the online version of indieWire, there are more details on “LAIKA’s” new feature film “Paranorman”.  LAIKA has been at work on the project for more than a year already and the film is slated for an August 2012 vote.

Co-Directors Sam Fell and Chris Butler give some background behind the genesis of the project in the article.

“The essential story came from a ‘what if’ idea in my family that had to do with my relationship with my Grandma,” he said. Continue reading... “New Details from “Paranorman” Directors on the film”

Case Study: Hive FX brings VFX sizzle to “A Walk in My Shoes”

Filmed entirely in and around Portland, A Walk In My Shoes tells the story of a stressed-out high school teacher who wrecks her car and finds herself living in the shoes of the mother of one of her students – a woman she had previously judged and criticized. The movie features over 40 special effects sequences used to underscore the ‘magic’ in the storyline – all of which were created by www.hive-fx.com at its Portland-based headquarters.

 “Our contribution to this great movie goes to prove that you don’t have to go to Hollywood to get Hollywood-grade VFX,” said HIVE-FX partner Jim Clark. Continue reading... “Case Study: Hive FX brings VFX sizzle to “A Walk in My Shoes””

Case Study: Feel Good Anyway IFC Rebrand

In early 2010, Oregon shop Feel Good Anyway began an intense journey into the heart of a network rebrand for IFC. IFC’s vision for the project was to extend the channel’s reach beyond indie film to include a wide selection of indie culture. Music, film, food, sex, gaming, internet shenanigans—all of these categories would be within IFC’s creative domain. They placed a particular emphasis on comedy as a focal point for the new brand, and everything from the logo to promos to the show packaging had to reflect the “Always On. Continue reading... “Case Study: Feel Good Anyway IFC Rebrand”

OregonAnimation.com blog premieres today, come help us celebrate

Following the successful effort to create a voice for the Oregon Film and Television community in the Oregon Confluence Blog, we recently convened a group of Oregon animation and visual effects professionals that we know, and asked them how a site dedicated to their segment of the industry might be received. After lots of lively conversation and great ideas, it became clear that there was great interest, and that it would be very helpful for drawing attention to the fact that Oregon has more than just great locations, amazing acting and crew talent, and not to mention, a terrific film incentive program. Continue reading... “OregonAnimation.com blog premieres today, come help us celebrate”

Oregon Cartoon Institute Launches Mel Blanc Project

We love to report good news! Oregon Cartoon Institute recently reported that they with receive support from Miller Foundation and Kinsman Foundation for the first project for which had sought funding,The Mel Blanc Project. The Project officially begins on June 8, with the first lecture: “Now Cut That Out!”: Portland Theaters Educate Mel Blanc.

Oregon Cartoon Institute is a consortium of individuals and organizations working together to raise awareness of Oregon’s rich animation and cartooning history. Five organizations created the Mel Blanc Project: Oregon Cartoon Institute, Oregon Jewish Museum, Ethos Music Center, Oregon Historical Society and PSU’s School of Fine and Performing Arts. Continue reading... “Oregon Cartoon Institute Launches Mel Blanc Project”

Case Study: Bent Image Labs and Koodo Mobile

Canada has a new hero and his name is “El Tabador”, a 4-inch tall Mexican wrestler who warms your heart, tickles your funny-bone, and effortlessly works in a few good words about Koodo Mobile.

El Tabador follows in a long tradition of Lucha Libre fighters. He’s part detective, ladies’ man, and a righteous defender of justice and the creation of Portland-based Bent. To meet this brief, Bent drew Director Rob Shaw’s vast knowledge of Lucha Libre culture and worked closely with the TAXI 2 to design Tabador from first sketch to final computer-generated character. Continue reading... “Case Study: Bent Image Labs and Koodo Mobile”

Oregon’s LAIKA Studio Launches New Website and Demo Video

In addition to a recent announcement made by Oregon’s LAIKA animation studio in early May about two new feature film projects, LAIKA also rolled out a newly designed website including the video included below. The video provides another example of the hand-made artisan craft and expertise utilizing cutting edge technology Oregon firms possess.

http://vimeo.com/23325702

We want to bring you examples of what the storytellers of the Oregon animation and visual effects sector aspire to; building on our knowledge and experience from the past while embracing the technology and promise of the future. Continue reading... “Oregon’s LAIKA Studio Launches New Website and Demo Video”