Aye-ya-yaii!

I have to get back to the basics of animation again. Today as I sat and tried making a simple walk from scratch, I realized I don't know jack. Even Jack doesn't know jack. Oh god! That's how bad it's become.

Going through sheets of reference material now. I hope to get back on track soon.

Top 5 Reasons

To watch some Miyazaki today:

1) Because the man is one the most respected names in animation. NO, not anime, I said animation.

2) Because every movie, even though based on similar themes always has something new and different to offer.

3) Because each one is a work of art. A masterpiece in motion.

4) Because his movies can teach you.

5) Because every single movie has the magical ability to transport you to a place and time and in fact, a world that will make you immensely glad you became a part of. Whether under water or up in the air, Miyazaki makes you believe.

LOTs to share with you

I've come across some wonderful links to artists whose websites are a must see for those seeking inspiration when low on supplies. All these links are given on the right in the 'Rat Recommends' section:

1. Marshall Vandruff, a freelance illustrator who has worked for Mad magazine, Dark Horse, WB and many others. He currently teaches animal anatomy at the Laguna College of Art & Design in California.

2. Lauren K Cannon, amazing artist who writes frequently for ImagineFX magazine. She dabbles in both digital and traditional art.

3. Joel Dos Reis Viegas, concept artist whose interests range from hip-hop to sci-fi to animation. His style is simply amazing!

4. Tom Nel, storyboard artist who has worked on projects spanning from low-budget animations to live-action blockbusters.

5. Darren Rawlings, a canadian-based illustrator who is now working on his own comic book/graphic novel called Agent Orange and the characters are really interesting. Check out his blog for more!

6. Jessica Gonacha, for all things wonderfully illustrated or animated in beautiful patterns, delicious colours in such simplicity that you WILL get hooked immediately.

Do check them out.

The Cat Piano

So you've heard every musical instrument eh?

I was going through some videos on vimeo and this particular one caught my eye. It's called The Cat Piano, a really good piece of animation made by The People's Republic of Animation (PRA) a studio based in Australia. The story is good(and creepy!) the colours limited and the character design simple yet wonderful. Narrated by Nick Cave, it has won some very well deserved awards. All in all an intriguing film and let me tell you, watching it sent chills down my spine!

The Cat Piano from PRA on Vimeo.

Also this movie brought to my attention a musical instrument so strange and vile! I couldn't believe something like this was even created and that too for medical purposes... read about it --> The Katzenklavier.

AWESOME !!

got this link from saurabh sethi...amazing videos!! :)

http://koikoikoi.com/2009/10/10-creative-video-inspirations/


do check them out! they are not to be missed.

International Animation Day '09

The 8th International Animation Day celebrations (I love saying it! International Animation Day! we have a day!!!!) are happening in India- a week of screenings, seminars and interactive sessions happening in different cities all over India.

There are 'making of' sessions of movies like Monsters vs. Aliens and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, acting workshops and screenings of animated shorts and commercials.

And it's happening in Pune on the 27th of October 09 at MCCIA trade tower on SB road.
Visit the webiste for details : [LINK]
***

Now if it's going to be anything like what I had attended last time..then it's going to be a real disappointment! A gazzilion people crammed into a tiny space at the 'TRADE TOWERS' with stuff happening everywhere, utter confusion mingled with disinterest and..AAAAAND the projector bursting into flames in the middle of making of Beowulf :| ...I'm not kidding! There was smoke and stuff had to be halted for a while to evacuate everyone out of the seminar hall-type space.

I'm hoping that it will not be so this year...and it better not be! Beacause I know this time Sherry and Maya won't come with me and give me company :P

Animators Ahoy!

Akshay Roongta, product designer working at Auroville, Tamil Nadu,invites animators to work on a short animation project and the details can be found on the Eco-Exhibition Blog

This is an animation that we hope will bring alive the ‘Legend of Irumbai’ and be done in such a manner that language is not required as it is expected to communicate to visitors who come from many different countries.

Those interested, pls contact akshay at akshayroongta@gmail.com