Kenny Roy posted this on the facebooks today:
http://www.animatorisland.com/?p=1723
Looks like a fun list to tackle, regardless of how long (or not so long) you've been doing this animation thing.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Feelin' like Peter Brady...
We'll give this another shot.
Friday, May 20, 2011
TinTin kinda scares me...
As much as I want to believe that this will be awesome, there's an underlying feeling of dread...and that sucks. Because everything I've seen looks great. The trailer, the images released at the beginning of the year. All of it looks great...except for TinTin. And that statement in itself is a bit misleading. It's not that Tintin looks bad, I wouldn't know really. We haven't been given a good look at him yet and THAT'S what has me worried. He's the lead, center, main character in this thing and they're giving him the Michael Jackson treatment (no, not giving him too much anesthetic) but hiding his face at every turn. They might as well have a surgical mask on him while he's dangling a baby off a balcony....wow, I took that Michael Jackson thing a little too far. Anyway, I know there have been marketing campaigns in the past based around keeping the final look of the character under wraps for as long as possible but I wouldn't think Tintin would fall into that category...I could be wrong but my fear is that in trying to ride some line between photo-real and stylized (which them seem to have pulled off pretty well with all the other characters I've seen) that, with Tintin, they may not have pulled it off...please be wrong, please be wrong, please be wrong...I'm hoping that if I say it enough I will be wrong. We'll see.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
How Facebook almost killed this blog...
Regardless of how you see Facebook, great connector or evil destroyer of lives (I see it as combination of both with a whole bunch of lazy thrown in for good measure) it is one thing for sure...convenient. By convenient I mean it's convenient for people to document every little detail of their lives on the fly...hooray for the iPhone, I guess. Anyway, it's also made it easier for me to comment on animation and industry related stories without ever having to remember what my blogger password is. Honestly, I'm not even sure how many people keep up with this blog anymore. Regardless (used that word twice in one post...win) I want to try to get back to posting here. Writing here just seems more intentional on both my part and the part of the reader. My posts aren't competing against fifteen status updates on "how much mean people suck" or "help me feed my tofurkey" on vegan-farmville. Anyway, we'll see how it goes. Wish me luck.
Friday, April 15, 2011
What I've been doing...
Portal 2 drops Monday. Myself and the talented team of guys I've been working with generated four web shorts and the television commercial for it in two months. This is the web short I (for lack of a better term) drove...good job robots.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"It's been a long time...."
This is one of the things I've been working on the last couple of weeks. It's the teaser trailer for Portal2 that we debuted at Sony's stage today at E3. It was an absolute blast to work on...not just because the game kicks serious ass but because the crew I got to work with are amazing. Hope you like it.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Meet Meline...
Just saw this today. Fun little short that was apparently made on the super cheap. Looks great. I haven't watched the "making of" video yet.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Animated Undead
This is a fun trailer for an animated zombie flick called A.D.
A friend wasn't a fan of the style but I dig the idea of doing a no holds barred zombie flick in a super stylized way. I'm still waiting for an animated frankenstein flick based on the artwork of Bernie Wrightson...gawd, that would be awesome!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
"Life As..." #1: Why the Hell are YOU an Animator!?!?!?
I think about this one quite a bit. Not necessarily for myself. I'm very aware of all, well, most of the reasons why I got into and still love being an animator. I've always been curious why other people get into it.
When I was growing up movies, especially animated movies, were not "made." They were magic things that just showed up at the drive in (yeah, drive in.) I knew there were people involved somehow...the actors of course and the whole list of people in the credits had all kinds of bits and pieces to do with the movies creation. But, when I was 10, the idea of how these people actually made this wonderful story that I was watching that was sooo much bigger than life (especially my life in a small, southern town) was just as much a mystery as fission and girls. Add to that how something as wonderful as "The Secret of N.I.H.M." or "The Rescuers Down Under" or any of the "Warner Bros Shorts" was "made" and you just completely blew my mind.
It wasn't until I saw Jurassic Park (I wonder how many people tie that movie to their start in animation) that I knew I had to try. Not because of what I saw, as incredible as it was, but because of who did it. When I heard that Phil Tippet was key to making those beautiful dinosaurs come to life I was hooked. See, I enjoyed the classic Disney flicks but I loved, LOVED the stop motion films. King Kong, Mighty Joe Young, Jason and the Argonauts and the Sinbad series were the end all, be all. In the years leading up to Jurassic Park stop motion was being used less and less in film and there really were no large scale stories being told with it. The idea that one of my animation heroes was able to make the transition to this new (at the time) medium and help create this fantastic world...well, I knew I'd regret not at least trying to have my dream career. I haven't regretted it since.
Now, back to the original question. Why are YOU an animator? This is a somewhat rhetorical question of course. I don't expect anyone to post on here why they did (but I would love it if you do....feel free!) I ask because I'm curious as to how many people currently trying to get into the industry really know why. I actually had someone tell me because "it seems to be a growth industry."
You don't become an animator so you can be rich or famous. You don't do it because you want stability in your life. You don't do it because you want to work "bankers" hours and like your weekends to yourself. Animators are an odd crew by nature and we do this for any number of reasons. We want to make someone believe in a performance or we want to make dinosaurs walk or we want to have the "cool job" at the dinner party. Whatever it is, know your "reason." Know why you want to do this because when you have a director tell you your shots, that you spent countless hours of your life and brain cells over, are getting scrapped or you're working weekends for 7 months straight during crunch or your picking up and moving your family to start at a new studio, well, that "reason" is one of the only things you're gonna have to help push you through those times. Make sure it's a good one.
So, what's your reason? Why the hell are YOU an animator?
When I was growing up movies, especially animated movies, were not "made." They were magic things that just showed up at the drive in (yeah, drive in.) I knew there were people involved somehow...the actors of course and the whole list of people in the credits had all kinds of bits and pieces to do with the movies creation. But, when I was 10, the idea of how these people actually made this wonderful story that I was watching that was sooo much bigger than life (especially my life in a small, southern town) was just as much a mystery as fission and girls. Add to that how something as wonderful as "The Secret of N.I.H.M." or "The Rescuers Down Under" or any of the "Warner Bros Shorts" was "made" and you just completely blew my mind.
It wasn't until I saw Jurassic Park (I wonder how many people tie that movie to their start in animation) that I knew I had to try. Not because of what I saw, as incredible as it was, but because of who did it. When I heard that Phil Tippet was key to making those beautiful dinosaurs come to life I was hooked. See, I enjoyed the classic Disney flicks but I loved, LOVED the stop motion films. King Kong, Mighty Joe Young, Jason and the Argonauts and the Sinbad series were the end all, be all. In the years leading up to Jurassic Park stop motion was being used less and less in film and there really were no large scale stories being told with it. The idea that one of my animation heroes was able to make the transition to this new (at the time) medium and help create this fantastic world...well, I knew I'd regret not at least trying to have my dream career. I haven't regretted it since.
Now, back to the original question. Why are YOU an animator? This is a somewhat rhetorical question of course. I don't expect anyone to post on here why they did (but I would love it if you do....feel free!) I ask because I'm curious as to how many people currently trying to get into the industry really know why. I actually had someone tell me because "it seems to be a growth industry."
You don't become an animator so you can be rich or famous. You don't do it because you want stability in your life. You don't do it because you want to work "bankers" hours and like your weekends to yourself. Animators are an odd crew by nature and we do this for any number of reasons. We want to make someone believe in a performance or we want to make dinosaurs walk or we want to have the "cool job" at the dinner party. Whatever it is, know your "reason." Know why you want to do this because when you have a director tell you your shots, that you spent countless hours of your life and brain cells over, are getting scrapped or you're working weekends for 7 months straight during crunch or your picking up and moving your family to start at a new studio, well, that "reason" is one of the only things you're gonna have to help push you through those times. Make sure it's a good one.
So, what's your reason? Why the hell are YOU an animator?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Life as a Video Game Animator*
I had the good fortune to celebrate my third year at Valve back in August of 09. And, to be honest, I think it took me almost all three of those years to really find "myself" in both games and at Valve. All of my time as an animator up until that point had been with DNA doing film and tv work. The last few weeks (and few months to be honest) I've gotten to a point where I finally feel like I've found what works for me and in turn what that means for my work at Valve. I thought I'd share some of that (not that anyone really asked for it, but I thought I'd share anyway.) This "sharing" will start back at DNA, since that's where this crazy, wonderful, journey I've been on started, and will go all the way through....well, who knows. I can't guarantee I'll be the most timely with my posts but I will get them out as often as I can. My first post in this is going to be "Why the hell did you become and animator anyway?"...I thought it an appropriate if not clichéd way to start.*You'll notice the little (*) at the end of the title. That's because all studios are different and my life as a game animator at Valve may be completely different than an animator at Infinity Ward or Naughty Dog or Blizzard. As a matter of fact I can almost guarantee we all lead very different and unique work lives.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Edge of Darkness
"You'd better decide. Are you the one hangin' on the cross or bangin' in the nails."
Mel Gibson has a new flick coming out 1/29/10. Looks like a good revenge flick. I've always had a weird soft spot for those since I would sneak and watch Charles Bronson in "Death Wish" when I was a kid. Here's hoping that Mel can deliver.
Mel Gibson has a new flick coming out 1/29/10. Looks like a good revenge flick. I've always had a weird soft spot for those since I would sneak and watch Charles Bronson in "Death Wish" when I was a kid. Here's hoping that Mel can deliver.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Welcome new peeps!!!
One of the things I've loved about Valve is that I'm surrounded by some of the smartest and most talented people I've had the pleasure of working with. Another thing I love is when new "smart and talented people" start at Valve. And even another thing I love is when someone I worked with before and have really, really, reeeeaaaaallllly wanted to work with again starts working at Valve. "Whatever could you be talking about Matthew?" Well, come sit on Santa's lap and let me tell ya...Mike Belzer and Keith Lango started at Valve!!!
I met Mike "officially" last year at CG-Con but have known of him through his work and through Animation Mentor for a long time.
Like pretty much any cg animator getting started in the last 10 years I've been very familiar all things Lango. Plus I had the good fortune of working with Keith at DNA on "The Ant Bully."
These two have forgotten more about animation than I feel like I know most days. Having them working with me on TeamFortress2 has been the hottest inspirational fire I've had lit under my ass in a long time and love it.
I met Mike "officially" last year at CG-Con but have known of him through his work and through Animation Mentor for a long time.
Like pretty much any cg animator getting started in the last 10 years I've been very familiar all things Lango. Plus I had the good fortune of working with Keith at DNA on "The Ant Bully."
These two have forgotten more about animation than I feel like I know most days. Having them working with me on TeamFortress2 has been the hottest inspirational fire I've had lit under my ass in a long time and love it.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
"Reach"
Love this student film by Luke Randall. It's probably my favorite Animation Mentor student film so far.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tips-n-Tricks
I did a write up for AnimationMentor's tips and tricks blog. They started posting my answers today. The new avatar was done by my bud Drew Wolf who works with me on TF2.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Another Movie that didn't Suck...
I picked up "Monsters vs. Aliens" today and watched it with the fam. It didn't suck!!! Not only that but my lovely wife enjoyed it as well.
Now just to give you a little bit of insight. Our oldest is a lot like me when it comes to watching movies. We sit down and the moment our eyes focus on the screen we'd prefer it if no one bothers us until said movie is over (unless it sucks really badly, like Transformers 2.) We don't like getting pulled out of the moment. I mean, G would sit and watch "Spirited Away" from start to finish at age 3 (I was so proud.)
My wife and our youngest are very similar when it comes to watching movies. First off, they like to ask you exactly what just happened, what is currently happening and what is about to happen. It makes little difference if I'm seeing this movie for the first time as well. I'm dad and therefore should know all when it comes to whatever movie we are watching. I will occasionally resort to making crap up just to see the reaction I get when it doesn't play out like I told 'em. Yeah, evil, I know.
Anyway...we sat down and watched "Monsters vs. Aliens" all the way through. No bathroom breaks, no taking the dogs out because they're barking at the back door, no...anything. One straight shot all the way through. It was, well, really nice.
I think we're ready to have a regular family movie night.
I wonder how they'd feel about "Zombieland"?
Now just to give you a little bit of insight. Our oldest is a lot like me when it comes to watching movies. We sit down and the moment our eyes focus on the screen we'd prefer it if no one bothers us until said movie is over (unless it sucks really badly, like Transformers 2.) We don't like getting pulled out of the moment. I mean, G would sit and watch "Spirited Away" from start to finish at age 3 (I was so proud.)
My wife and our youngest are very similar when it comes to watching movies. First off, they like to ask you exactly what just happened, what is currently happening and what is about to happen. It makes little difference if I'm seeing this movie for the first time as well. I'm dad and therefore should know all when it comes to whatever movie we are watching. I will occasionally resort to making crap up just to see the reaction I get when it doesn't play out like I told 'em. Yeah, evil, I know.
Anyway...we sat down and watched "Monsters vs. Aliens" all the way through. No bathroom breaks, no taking the dogs out because they're barking at the back door, no...anything. One straight shot all the way through. It was, well, really nice.
I think we're ready to have a regular family movie night.
I wonder how they'd feel about "Zombieland"?
Because I need to stay in the habit...
I have nothing specific to say...
...my beautiful wifey spent all day Friday ill and in bed (she's doing much better today!!!)
...we're finishing crunch on L4D2...hooray!!!
...I had my first rehearsal for the Nutcracker (should be interesting.)
...my brain is full.
...my beautiful wifey spent all day Friday ill and in bed (she's doing much better today!!!)
...we're finishing crunch on L4D2...hooray!!!
...I had my first rehearsal for the Nutcracker (should be interesting.)
...my brain is full.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Dr Horrible, not so horrible....
I have no idea why I didn't watch Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog when it hit the web last year. But I am glad I got to watch it all the way through on dvd...Hooray Net Flix.
In a nutshell, awesome. I know some people were torn about the ending (not giving it away in case other folks are like me and have waited waaaaay to long to watch this thing.) But as any comic book geek knows, it ended the way it needed to end. Oh, and N.P.H. is the man.
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