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Ian Ross, Drake Brodahl, Troy Parke, Matt and myself went down to the screening of “The Animation Show 4” at the Varsity this Friday.  We sat next to a crew from the old Sucker Punch days including Suzanne Kaufmann (who currently instructs at Digipen and is working with us at Plexi this summer), Ramey Harris, Bart Kaufman and Gene Blakefield who worked with us (meaning Matt, Troy and Joel) at another studio before going over to Sucker Punch. 

The highlights of the show for me included Joel’s intro piece, Pes’ “Western Spaghetti”,  and Matthew Walker’s “John and Karen”.  Word straight from Joel was that he did an ending animation that wasn’t included in the screening.  Perhaps it’ll make an appearance sometime in the not-so-distant future. 

After the screening, Joel Trussell, Rebecca Moline and Robert May (Producers of “The Animation Show”), Anton Bogaty, Gene Blakefield, Tom DesLongchamp and his wife Jessica, Matt and I went over to Flowers for a couple of drinks and lots of animation chatter.   The group eventually ended up in Capital Hill for more drinkage and deep discussions.  Hanging out with Gene, Anton, and Joel again after such a long time was such a wonderful treat–reminiscing, talking about new stuff, being wacky, eating lots of fries and fried fish, *sigh*!  The cherry that topped everything off was getting a chance to meet and talk to the very delightful Rebecca and Rob.  Thank you for some fun times!!!

Joel in the Plexipixel animation clubhouse

Troy cheesing it up with Joel Trussell

Rob May, Joel Trussell and Rebecca Moline rocking HARD

Getting crabs in Northgate with Gene Blakefield and his adorable family

Joel, Anton Bogaty (and Matt) reliving old times at the Canterbury

Our old friend Joel Trussell will be at The Animation Show screening along with “The Animation Show team” (I have no idea who that entails).  Matt and Joel worked together way back in the “old days of Flash” (circa late 90’s) on groundbreaking projects like Zombie College. 

Since then Joel’s worked on a number of totally amazing animations for Yo Gabba Gabba and Esurance as well as the award-winning War Photographer video for Jason Forrest. 

Joel will be at the 7:15pm showing on Friday, June 20th at the Varsity Theatre in Seattle. 

Matt, Troy, and Vicky will definitely be there!

Tony White has posted a version of his short film “Endangered Species” for viewing on YouTube.  It’s a mockumentary of the rise and fall of traditional animation.  The animation in the piece is well executed.  The pace is good and the content of the story is interesting and compelling.  The most creative part of the film is how Tony mimics snippets of well-known animations using Tony’s well-known animation character in a delightfully playful way. 

Toon Zone posted a really comprehensive interview with Tony in 2006 about the “Endangered Species” animation and its inspiration.   

In the interview, Tony mentions his ill-fated ”Animation Masterclass” book.  This was the book that Tony consulted with Matt Tamaru (Rodriguez at the time) on Flash character animation.  Unfortunately, ”Animation Masterclass” never did see the light of day. 

Here’s the film.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Matt and I spent a little time with Tony White (award-winning animator and Digipen instructor) and his partner Saille while we were in Southern California.  Here’s a blog entry about what Tony was up to and consequently a little bit about what we were up to. 

I forgot my camera, so there will be photos from our trip on Flickr when Matt gets a chance.  Until then, here’s a photo of our friend Monica Hare and Wall-E on the Disney Studio Lot.

The animators now have their own cozy little abode downstairs in Suite D.  Today was Ryan and Jenna’s first day with us.  Our old friend Suzanne Kaufman (3D animator and instructor at Digipen) is also contributing to the CO2 in that little tiny room…  We’re happy to have them all here at Plexipixel!

I’ll be at the Ion Conference right here in Seattle starting tomorrow through Thursday.  If you’re planning on attending, don’t forget to say “hello!”

Also, on Friday, Matt and I will be flying out to Burbank for a few animation events:

• Screening of “Endangered Species” at Mockfest 2008: “Endangered Species” is a film by Tony White that showcases the great and classic moments of animation’s history.
• Animation Book Look 2008: co-hosted by Van Eaton Galleries and Creative Talent Network, is a gathering of animation authors and artists as well as a number of industry insiders.  Nickelodeon reps will also be there doing portfolio reviews. 
• Ollie Johnston’s Train Station Dedication: Ollie Johnston, the very last of Walt’s “Nine Old Men”, was considered one of the world’s leading train enthusiasts.  There will be a dedication at Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park on Sunday.

We’ll be in LA from Friday, May 16th until Monday May 19th.  Give a shout if you’re in the area! 

Matt and I took Will Vinton, his lovely wife Gill, and daughter to brunch this Sunday before Will’s Master Animation Class at the Northwest Film Forum.  We wanted to welcome an animation luminary to our lovely city and have an excuse to check out the brunch at Palisade Restaurant.

Will’s little daughter had a bit of a rough morning–we picked them up at 9am so that we’d have enough time for a leisurely meal and get Will back in time to set up for the class.  As soon as her Very Berry Smoothie (which came in a tiki glass) and Wacky Waffle (adorned with a bacon smile) arrived at the table, she was able to find some enjoyment in hanging out with a bunch of adults in a strange place.

Will and Gill were amazingly sweet people and extra fun to talk to.  Matt was able to talk shop, taking as much in about Will’s experience as an Academy Award and Oscar winning animator.  Gill and I talked about food–one of my favorite subjects.  Gill’s from Yorkshire (she didn’t think that I picked up on her slight British accent) and Matt’s family is from London/Ipswich so we had a lot to gab about.

We all ended up eating way too much.  You see, the way brunch is set up at the Palisade is that you pick an entree and it comes with trips to the buffet.  I know you’re thinking “ugh! buffets… usually not the cream of the crop.”  But this buffet had shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, papaya, mango, macademia nut pancakes (with rum maple syrup)…  *burp*  Oh yeah, AND we had our entrees which were also amazing.

All the while, we were able to oogle the Seattle skyline, mountains, and water all from our table.

I’m writing this on behalf of Matt.  I wanted to get it on our blog to get the news to those who knew Grant Sligh, but like Matt hadn’t been in touch with him for a while.

Matt worked with Grant back in the late 90’s and was very saddened to hear about his passing earlier this month.  Matt refered me to this article and after searching I also found Aron Ahlstrom’s blog.  That’s about all we know… 

Grant will be missed.

Plexipixel is proud to sponsor the Northwest Film Forum’s Children’s Film Festival again this year. 

Highlights include:

• Opening Night Celebration: “The Adventures of Prince Achmed”.  Lotte Reinger’s 1926 animated film masterpiece featuring the world premiere of a new score composed and performed by Miles and Karina 
• Lots of 2D, 3D and motion graphics animation from all around the world. The majority of the movies are short (15 minutes or less) perfect for the person like me with a short attention span.
• On Saturday, Jan. 26th at 11am, meet Mr. Winkle, Jr. and see “Big Top Winkle”.  The movie staring the famous Mr. Winkle
• “History of Claymation and 3D animation with Will Vinton” on Saturday, Feb. 2nd at 1pm

We’re especially excited about Will Vinton’s visit.   Will’s an animation legend and just an all-around swell guy. 

Will will also be here to teach an “Animation Masterclass” on Sunday, Feb. 3rd that will introduce filmmakers the art of claymation and 3D techniques.  The filmmakers are invited to bring clips of their work to get personal advice from Will.

Our Holiday Card was seen on the Frames Per Second Magazine blog between the entry for Apple’s Rankin-Bass inspired stop motion Holiday ad (directed by Drew Lightfoot) and the WALL-E trailer.  It also got a shout-out on Cold Hard Flash.  Not too shabby!

P.S. I also noticed that one of my favorite illustrators S. Britt is linking to our blog from his blog.  His work and his cat Edsel are so insanely cute.  *wowie*