New 2D Animation from Hayao Miyazaki – Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli have released their first feature length animation in four years, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. It’s a mystery at Darling Dimples why we haven’t posted about this animation giant before now. The work from this studio is held in the highest esteem by Dimples.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is the latest beautifully rendered theatrical animation form Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki said that his inspiration for the story came from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Here’s a trailer from the movie but, be forewarned, the song is one of those tunes that will haunt you for the rest of the day.
The First Official Disney Goofy Cartoon from 1939
Here’s a brilliant piece of animation history. Disney’s Goofy character was originally called Dippy Dawg. He was re-named Goofy and this is his first cartoon under that name. Called “Goofy and Wilbur”, the cartoon was released in 1939.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osDN8zHZlQQ[/youtube]
Tony White Films
Animations from Tony White Films from YouTube.
1. “Hokusai – An Animated Sketchbook”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmFGtsG_EgA[/youtube]
2. “introduction to Endangered Species”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIzhf7dffnQ[/youtube]
3. “Endangered Species”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qji2Q45Fw_k[/youtube]
4. “Fire Gods”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tNErrdA5Q8[/youtube]
New 2D Animation Software from ToonBoom – Animation-Ish
The great folks at ToonBoom have introduced a new 2D animation software package that anyone can use. It’s called Animation-Ish. It’s a cooperative venture with Peter H. Reynolds who writes and illustrates children’s books. His message and the premise of the software is that a drawing doesn’t have to look perfect to work. From ToonBoom:
Introducing the world′s easiest software program, designed to have your drawings up and moving in minutes! Created by Peter H. Reynolds, NYTimes Bestselling Author/Illustrator of The Dot, Ish, Someday, and the Judy Moody series, packed with Peter′s inspirational creativity tips and drawings, Animation-ish lets you design animations for movies, greeting cards, websites, presentations and school projects, and then share your creations with the world!
The price for an individual copy is only $59.95 US and that’s one tremendous deal. Dimples uses ToonBoom’s storyboard software and we love it. Thus, this software is probably created and published with the same attention to detail.
Dimples found a video on youtube with someone trying to use the program but it’s not very informative. See below:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ItrGzrOHs[/youtube]
What’s very interesting about this program is the ease and efficiency with which you can create simple animations and export them in a format you can share with others. Dimples thinks this makes the program an especially good deal for the weekend animator. From ToonBoom:
Top Program Features
- Over 50 “Inspire Me†video clips from Peter H. Reynolds
- 3 animation skill-levels
- “Project Vault†with Peter’s drawings and starter ideas
- “Share†feature for exporting into multiple formats
- Online lessons from Peter and the animators of FableVision
“Class” (Entre les Murs) Wins the Palme d’Or Prize at Cannes in Unanimous Vote
“Waltz with Bashir” did not win the top prize at Cannes. In fact, it was totally stiffed by Sean Penn’s jury. From Time:
Another surprising omission was the Israeli animated documentary Waltz With Bashir, which had critics cheering from Day Two, when it was unveiled, up to the announcement of the awards. At the post-Palmares press conference, Penn acknowledged that he wasn’t pushing for Bashir, since there were so many other films that “called out and provoked us in a new way.” He added, “I think it will find its audience without us,” suggesting that the Jury wanted to give affirmative-action pushes to luminous films in need of the worldwide attention a Palme d’Or can bring.
I translate this as animation isn’t serious film. Frankly, Dimples thinks this stinks.
Waltz with Bashir – Will 2D Animation Win the Palme d’Or Prize at the Cannes?
From the BBC:
An animated documentary about a massacre in the Middle East is the current frontrunner to win the coveted Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Waltz with Bashir is a daring and provocative attempt by director Ari Folman to bear witness to an atrocity committed during his stint in the Israeli army in 1982.
Waltz with Bashir is 2D animation paired with 3D effects. Here’s the official trailer:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylzO9vbEpPg[/youtube]
It looks like a beautifully made movie.
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