Flooby Nooby

May 17, 2010

The Art of Matthew Woodson

See More Here.

matthew woodson art artist illustration illustrator

The Art of Jeff Jacobson

jeff jacobson photographer photography

I've been doing so much freelance storyboarding these past couple months that my head is spinning. Some want them made traditional, others want it digital, some want them detailed, some want them simple, some want them in black and white, others in color. I've learned a lot this year about staging and visual storytelling.

Ever since I've been teaching storyboarding fundamentals at the college here, I've been thinking of writing/illustrating a book, specifically made up of tips for simple, straight-forward, storyboarding basics for animation. I'm constantly experimenting and trying new things for techniques and tools, here are my weapons of choice thus far.

I'll post samples soon.

Pixar Canada is hiring Animators!

Project: Pixar Canada
Job Duties: Character Animation, Object Animation
Software Utilized: Softimage, XSI, MAYA
Required Spoken Language: English
Required Work Auth.: Canada
Start Date: Aug 2010

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
About Pixar Canada
Pixar Canada is looking for several Animators for its new studio in Vancouver. Pixar Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pixar Animation Studios, the world leader in animated films. The Vancouver studio will produce short-form animation focusing on legacy Pixar characters from films such as Toy Story and Cars. This is an opportunity to help build a world-class organization from the ground-up and to be part of a diverse and talented team.

Summary of Position
An Animator creates the motions, gestures, and expressions of three-dimensional computer graphics characters and objects.

General Duties and Responsibilities
•Receive with each assigned shot: storyboards, story reels, recorded dialogue, set layout, and direction. The Director shows each new sequence in layout and describes what is expected for every shot at a “blocking meeting”
•Read soundtrack and plan shot
•Block in movements in rough animation and show for the Director’s approval in a daily review
•Refine and finish work for Director approval
•Attend animation dailies
•Deliver work in a timely manner.

REQUIREMENTS:
Background and Qualifications
•Ability to use acting skills, which bring characters to life, as well as clearly communicate simple ideas with which an audience can empathize
•Strong understanding of traditional animation principles
•Strong attention to detail
•An art background, which shows a thorough understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form
•Proven storytelling skills
•Must have an online demo reel that demonstrates application of the principles of animation to tell a story with meaning through movement
•Ability to work collaboratively
•Must be open to direction and able to embrace change
•Degree or certificate in classical animation, film, or related field, or equivalent production animation experience.

Submission Process
If you are interested in and qualified for this position, please ensure your CreativeHeads profile includes a cover letter, resume, demo reel, and reel breakdown/shotlist. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL DEMO REELS.

Apply here!

May 16, 2010

James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990)

I actually remember the day, 20 years ago, when I heard on the news of his passing. I was sad, I felt like Kermit, had suddenly died as well. Instantly, the image of all the muppet characters ceasing to exist entered my mind. Then the logic occurred to me that they were only characters operated by people, and that all the puppets he instilled life into with his hands and his voice, would be replaced by other performers, and eventually they were, but it was never quite the same.

He is one of the most widely known puppeteers in American history. He was the leading force behind the long running television series Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and films such as The Muppet Movie (1979) and creator of advanced puppets for projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and Return of the Jedi. He was also an Oscar-nominated film director, Emmy Award-winning television producer, and the founder of The Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

Henson's sudden death on May 16, 1990, of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (a bacterial infection), resulted in an outpouring of public and professional affection. There have since been numerous tributes and dedications in his memory. Henson’s companies, which are now run by his children, continue to produce films and television shows.

On September 26, 1992, Henson was posthumously awarded the Courage of Conscience Award for being a "Humanitarian, muppeteer, producer and director of films for children that encourage tolerance, interracial values, equality and fair play."

Jim Henson never thought that he would make a name of himself in puppetry; it was merely a way of getting himself on television. The vehicle that achieved it was "Sam and Friends" (1955), a late-night puppet show that was on after the 11:00 news in Washington DC. It proved to be very popular and inspired Jim to continue using puppets for his work. He made many commercials, developing the signature humor that Henson Productions is known for. A key reason for the

success of his puppets is that Jim realized he didn't need to hide puppeteers behind a structure when they were in front of a camera. All he had to do was instruct the camera operators to focus on the puppets and keep the puppeteers out of the frame. This allowed the puppets to dominate the image and make them more lifelike.

Not only was he the creator of The Muppets, but he has been a massive creative influence to many artists, animators and puppeteers, during and after his life. For me personally, he is as close to a 'religion' as there is. If you define religion as a system of human thought that includes a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs and practices that give meaning to the practitioner's experiences of life... then yes, I suppose the 'Church of Henson' is my faith. I was devoted to his work as a child and even more now. I respect and appreciate his endeavors and I've grown to admire his passion for the unique style of storytelling that he developed.

I find it strange how I can miss a man that I've never met, 20 years after his passing. I never met Jim, but when I watch clips of him and focus on the characters he's created and observe the large amounts of work he's done in the 35 years of television and film production he had accomplished, I feel as if I do know him, and he was just plain awesome.

Below is an incredible one hour 1994 documentary titled "The World of Jim Henson"

It includes the beginnings of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fragile Rock, The Muppet Movie, The Storyteller, Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal. With appearences from Frank Oz, Lew Grade, Jon Stone, Maurice Sendak, Jane Henson, Jerry Juhl, Ted Koppel, Harry Belafonte, Francis Ford Coppola, Brian Henson and many more. Along with Henson's early works including some footage from 1960's commercial ads, the 1965 independent movie 'Time Piece', and archive footage from The Jimmy Dean Show, the Goldie Hawn Special, The Ed Sullivan Show, and dozens of fascinating interviews with the people who worked with him the most.