Job Posting - Educator Rhythm & Hues

J O B POSTING

************************
POSITION: Educator
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Position Summary

As a full-time, staff Educator at Rhythm and Hues (R&H), you will be responsible for providing the online documentation and the classroom education experience for the staff and freelance digital artists, as well as other production and studio personnel at R&H facilities worldwide. This LA-based position will also involve travel to our locations worldwide in support of our global learning and outreach goals.

Responsibilities:

* Learning R&H's proprietary software and tools

* Teaching classes and workshops for production artists and staff at R&H locations worldwide

* Assisting in documentation for all departments

* Keeping knowledge current by collaborating across departments and working on production shots.

* Attending and participating in weekly department meetings and user meetings.

* Maintaining education resources and environments (disk space, programs, user tools).

* Traveling to R&H locations worldwide to facilitate on-site training in India and Malaysia.


Required Skills/Experience:

* Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in 3D Graphics.

* Maya and Shake (or equivalents) experience.

* UNIX and HTML experience.

* Understanding of the 3D and 2D components of computer graphics production.

* At least one year experience in teaching, tutoring and creating documentation.

* Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills.

* Ability to learn quickly, motivate others in learning, work in teams, and share information

Highly Desired:

* Experience and interest in scene/shot lighting, look development, texturing, procedural fx, compositing.


Additional Desired Skills/Experience

* Programming/scripting experience

* MediaWiki experience

* Familiarity with audio/visual equipment and media conversion

* Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., moodle)

* Professional production experience

To Apply
Email:
Send cover letter and resume to recruiters@rhythm.com
(write Educator Position in subject area of email)

Mail
Send cover letter and resume to:
Rhythm & Hues Studios
Attn: Recruiting Dept. - Educator
5404 Jandy Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Holiday & Networking Events

Hi everyone,

OC Teachers Day Recap - Making a difference
Today a few of us from Rhythm & Hues headed down to Orange County for their Digital Media Training day for High School Teachers. Basically we talked to the teachers about what they should be teaching their kids to prepare for a career in Animation & VFX. Myself(Krystal Cooper), Anthony Harris (Colorist) and Travis Nelson (2D/Roto) were a part of the media panel. We were offered the opportunity to also review and approve the ROP curriculum for several Orange County High Schools. We stressed the importance of Arts & Technology education for a successful career in our industry. We are going to work on creating a similar opportunity here in Los Angeles for Inner City Schools. Please contact me if you are interested in being a part of that.


Holiday & Networking events coming up

December 17th -
Senator Curren Price Holiday Gathering
http://www.savethedatecentral.com/currenprice_holiday_gathering.html

December 19th
Elite Urban Professionals & Universal Music Group
www.theloopoonline.com/email/hakobe.html

December 18-20* (thanks for sharing Barbara)
16th Annual African-American Film Marketplace
www.bherc.org

Plenty of opportunities to catch movies that are nominated for the OSCARS
* some require Guild affiliation but mainly Industry affiliation
Consider joining The Academy of Motion Pictures, Television, ASIFA, VFX or respective guild for your position such as Camera Guild, Producers Guild, Art Director, Graphic Artists,etc.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=awardcentral&jump=screenings
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/awards/oscar-screening-guide/index.jsp
http://disneystudiosawards.com/

Share your Digital Art Expertise with OC Teachers

Dear Colleagues,



The Orange County Office of Education and Vital Link are hosting a regional Digital Media Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Animation, gaming, TV/video production, and web design/2D professionals are needed to participate in this informative and interactive day. Approximately 60 high school and community college faculty from these disciplines will be there to more fully understand what their students need to know and be able to do to work in the Digital Media field. We are looking for at least 15 people from industry to participate. If you are interested, please respond to me as soon as possible. And while you’re at it, ask a colleague (or two or three) to join you. Please remember, when you impact a teacher, you impact ALL of their students!!!



Agenda (times are approximate):

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Panel discussion and breakout sessions with industry leaders

11:30 - 12:00 noon Lunch

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Articulation discussion



Location Details:

Where: Costa Mesa Community Center

Address: 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa

When: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch included)







Kathleen

Kathleen A. Milnes

President and CEO

The Entertainment Economy Institute

15332 Antioch Street #411

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

phone: 310-459-9177

cell: 323-806-6241

fax: 310-459-9177

email: kmilnes@entertainmentecon.org

www.entertainmentecon.org

Dec 1st is World Aids Day

Latest AIDS stats from UNAIDS: 33 million people living with HIV. Africa still 'worst hit by AIDS' Read more: http://budurl.com/tunaids

Today we are highlighting the work of Tim Jackson, Black Editorial Cartoonist for the Chicago Defender. He also maintains the pioneering cartoonist of color gallery. Click the link to find out more about Tim.

http://web.mac.com/tim_jackson/iWeb/Tim%20Jackson%20Cartoonist/Welcome.html

The Industry's New Workflow Paradigm – 3D Compositing (Los Angeles)

A panel discusses the evolving workflows having a profound effect on the work of all 3D animators as well as 2D departments who now do the "finish work" like never before using Flame, Combustion, Toxik, and Nuke.


Event Description

http://la.siggraph.org/events/industrys-new-workflow-paradigm-3d-compositing


Speakers:

*Steve Wright*, Master Trainer - Visual effects compositing, Nuke and Shake

*Damian Allen*, President of Pixerati LLC - Visual effects design and pipeline consultant

Speakers will explore and explain this new trend in visual effects that incorporates 3D geometry, lights, and cameras in addition to the usual 2D images into the final compositing of a shot. This new workflow paradigm profoundly affects both the 3D and 2D departments as the compositor now does much more of the "finish work" using 3D-capable compositing programs such as Flame, Combustion, Toxik, and Nuke.


Sponsored by Nuke.



PROGRAM:
6:30 - 7:30 PM Social Hour & Hors d'oeuvres
7:30 - 9:30 PM Program Presentation


Presenter Biographies

Steve Wright's Biography


Location

The James Bridges Theater at UCLA Department of Film, Television and Digital Media


Registration

All LA ACM SIGGRAPH will be admitted free of charge. Non-members of LA ACM SIGGRAPH are admitted for $20.00. New LA ACM SIGGRAPH members who sign up on-site, and pay the $40 annual membership fee (checks or cash only), do not have to pay the $20 admission fee.


Special Thanks

Steve Wright, Diane Wright, Mike Amron, Joan Collins Carey, Sharon Eisenberg, Lucy Cooper of The Foundry, and the entire LA SIGGRAPH Executive Council.

CTN Expo Wrap Up

Artwork by Micah Lewis

Artwork by Ryan Benjamin


Artwork by John Mahoney


The CTN Expo was held this weekend in Burbank. It was a great event. Panels and Expo and tons of giveaways but most importantly plenty of diamonds in the rough with raw talent.
We were happy to partner with the CTN EXPO and offer a 10% discount for our members using the BAVFX09 code.

During the Expo ASIFA hosted an Animation Educators Forum. More information can be found at www.animationeducatorsforum.org There is also another great organization called Girls Drawin Girls. They have a holiday mixer coming up on December 5th 2009. Information can be found at www.girlsdrawingirls.com

Sponsors included Animation Magazine, Toon Boom, Woodbury, Cal Arts and many other educational institutions and animation companies.

Educator and Artist Amarpal Khanna from the ICEF charter schools took a group of 30 students to the expo on Saturday. http://www.icefla.org

Companies such as Warner Bros and Walt Disney were on site recruiting and reviewing portfolios and the top off each evening was an industry mixer with the who's who of animation.

Artists locally and from across the country came out to the event such as
Micah Lewis http://www.artofmicahlewis.com
John Mahoney http://mahoneyconceptartist.blogspot.com
Ryan Benjamin http://www.ryanbenjamin.com

There were also representatives from Percy Miller Studios (Master P) in attendance.

If you attended the expo feel free to post on the wall and add your experience.

See you there next year. http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com

For a complete list of vendors click here
http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/category/vendors/

Krystal Cooper
Chair, Blacks in Animation & Visual FX

Keith Hunter: Artist, mentor, most-excellent man *

3rd Annual Keith Hunter College Fund Annual Fundraiser:

More information on this talented artist is below. Rhythm & Hues set up on behalf of his son. If you wish to donate directly to the fund as well, please make any checks payable to "The Vanguard Group", and in the notes section write "Max Hunter Education Fund"

Keith Hunter College Fund
c/o Accounting Department
Rhythm & Hues
5404 Jandy Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066





Keith Hunter was an animator at Rhythm & Hues who passed away from cancer in 2007.
A college fund has been set up in his son's honor

If you knew him, pass this along:

http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/head-thumb.jpgKeith Hunter, a much-beloved computer artist who managed the modeling department of Rhythm and Hues Studios and volunteered tirelessly in Los Angeles-area schools teaching computer animation to young children, has died after a short but fierce battle with cancer. He was 41.

http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/babyBuggy-thumb.jpgThe son of an ophthalmologist and homemaker/dietician, Hunter was born in Washington, D.C. and moved with his family at age 7 to Bettendorf, Iowa, where he spent much of his formative years learning to draw, build models and fix machines – boyhood activities that would carry him into a rich career in computer animation.

His father, Larry Hunter, recalls that Keith could assemble or repair just about anything without instructions, including the dirt bike he began riding at age 11 along dirt roads near his Iowa home. His detailed drawings ran the gamut from motorcycles and monsters to comic book heroes of every kind, and as soon as he finished one project he’d start another:

“It was always hard keeping him busy enough – he hated to be idle,” Hunter’s father recalled. “You’d never see him sitting around half the day looking at the boob tube.”
http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/brothers-thumb.jpg
At right, with his older brother, Bruce in Iowa in the 70s

Keith Hunter went to Ohio State University to study architecture. It was there that he met Jocelyn Hayes, a pharmacology student whom he would marry five years later when they moved to Los Angeles.

Upon graduating in 1990, Hunter entered Harvard University in pursuit of a master’s degree in architectural design.

Seeing a powerful connection between the fantasy art he loved to create and the nuts-and-bolts rigors of computer-aided design under which he trained in architecture, Hunter gravitated towards computer animation. Upon his graduation from Harvard in 1991, instructors encouraged him to continue on a doctorate track. But Hunter chose to pursue his artwork and was hired away immediately by Rhythm and Hues, a leading computer graphics studio.

Hunter went to work in the modeling department, creating CG models of products and logos, creatures and machines and within two years was tapped to run the studio’s modeling department.

Hunter oversaw modelers who created some of the most enduring images in computer animation – everything from the Coca-Cola polar bears and the Oscar-winning Babe the Pig to the fantastic creatures in 2005’s Oscar-nominated “Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/hunter1-thumb.jpg
Here’s a bit of his personal science fiction work.

The day after Hunter’s death, studio chief John Hughes issued this statement to his colleagues:

“It is with great sadness that I must share with you that our friend and colleague, Keith Hunter, passed away last night after a courageous battle with cancer …

“Keith joined Rhythm & Hues in September 1991 and had been the Manager of the Modeling Department for most of his years here at the studio. Over the years, Keith contributed to almost every project R&H produced, both as a manager and as an artist. Keith embodied the spirit of R&H in his supportive attitude and constant professionalism, always looking for ways to make this a better place to work.

Keith’s ability to connect with those around him was obvious over the past few weeks. The outpouring of love and concern was a reflection of the special person he was and a testament to the man who will remain in our hearts and minds.”

http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/jump-thumb.jpgIn spare time, Hunter indulged in childhood passions such as riding dirtbikes, flying RC model aircraft and collecting Japanese anime and toys, and continued to work long hours chipping away on personal animation projects, recalls friend and colleague Steve Ziolkowski, a Rhythm & Hues animator.

Once Hunter became a father in 2000, his priorities shifted, his close friends recall.

“Focused, that’s the best word,” says Ziolkowski. “He made damn sure that he had time to work on his stuff but also that he had time to be with his son and Jocelyn.”

After the birth of his son, Hunter began working with children, teaching computer animation classes, leading drum circles and reading aloud in schools across greater Los Angeles, ranging from Compton to Crossroads.

http://blogging.la/archives/images/2007/08/armor-thumb.jpgHis method in the animation lessons was to encourage the kids to draw frames of animation on paper, which he then scanned into the computer and animated, says his wife.

Jocelyn Hunter recalls, “Keith wanted kids to be able to have a chance to see that stuff in this area wasn’t impossible. He wanted to show them, ‘You can do it, if you stick it out.’”

Hunter is survived by his wife and young son, and his father, mother and older brother,

Friends have set up a blog for Hunter’s family and friends here: http://hunterfamily.blogdns.org

20 animated films join a crowded Oscars derby (welcome, Alvin!)

The mystery is over. Turns out that 20 films have been submitted for consideration in the Oscar race for best animated feature. That means there will probably be five nominees, since 16 eligible entries must be submitted. Fewer eligible entries means that there will be just three nominees in the category, which has been the case seven times over the last eight contests since the category was created.

"Eligible" is a key word. According to the academy Rule Seven, that means an entry must score 7.5 or better when evaluated by members of an academy committee who will rank each one from 6 (lowest) to 10 (highest). There's also the issue of production technique, which must utilize "frame by frame" animation. Using computer-generated imagery is a cloudy matter.

A few of the titles on this list are surprises, including "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," "The Dolphin" and "The Secret of Kells." They hadn't been dished in recent blogosphere discussions. ("Alvin" may face eligibility obstacles due to its use of real people in live-action sequences.) Their additions mean extra padding in this race. A few could fall out and we'll still have five nominees.

The following films have not yet had their qualifying runs in an L.A. theater, but all plan to do so by the end of 2009: "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," "The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Planet 51," "The Princess and the Frog," "The Secret of Kells" and "A Town Called Panic." Here is the academy's full press release.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel"
"Astro Boy"
"Battle for Terra"
"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs"
"Coraline"
"Disney's A Christmas Carol"
"The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"
"Mary and Max"
"The Missing Lynx"
"Monsters vs. Aliens"
"9"
"Planet 51"
"Ponyo"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"The Secret of Kells"
"Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure"
"A Town Called Panic"
"Up"

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Photo: 20th Century Fox

Get Gold Derby on Twitter. Join the Gold Derby Group at Facebook. Become friends with Tom O'Neil on Facebook. Get Gold Derby RSS feed via Facebook. RSS Feedburner. RSS Atom.

Creativity Drives Employment, Economy in Los Angeles Region

As the U.S. economy continues to transition from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy, the Los Angeles region will see an uptick in employment for artists and designers, according to a 2009 report from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).

Data show that the “creative economy” is one of the largest business sectors in Los Angeles and Orange
Counties, generating nearly 1 million in direct and indirect jobs and almost $140 billion in sales/receipts from the arts, design and entertainment industries combined. Over $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues are generated by art and design-oriented businesses found in the following industries.
Entertainment, Toy, Digital Media, Fashion, Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Communication Arts, as well as Fine and Performing Arts.

These findings and more were revealed today at a presentation of the 2009 Otis Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region, hosted by Otis College of Art and Design which annually commissions the report to put real numbers to the business of creativity and to spotlight an under-recognized driver of the regional economy.
“Our current economic challenges mandate long-term solutions. It is time for us to join forces in a creative offensive for economic recovery and a better future,” said Samuel Hoi, President of Otis College. “At Otis, we look forward to partnering with leaders from across sectors to take practical steps in unleashing the creative potential of the Los Angeles region.”

The 2009 Otis Creative Economy report was presented by Dr. Nancy D.

Sidhu, Vice President and Chief Economist of The Kyser Center for Economic Research at the LAEDC. “Excluding the manufacturing segments, employment in the service-oriented creative industries of Los Angeles grew by 21,500 jobs, or 9.9%, between 2003 and 2008, and by an estimated 2% in Orange County,” stated Sidhu. “And Los Angeles County is projected to grow by 4,000 more jobs, or 1.6%, by 2013.”

Other findings in the report.

- The Digital Media sector is expected to grow the fastest between 2008 and 2013, with employment of digital artists rising by more than 10% in both Los Angeles County and Orange County.


- Projected declines in Fashion, Furniture and Toy employment by 2013 are due largely to expected losses in the manufacturing sector; however, employment growth is still expected here in the “other specialized design services” category, which includes fashion designers.


- Little if any employment growth is projected for the Communication Arts and Entertainment sectors overall. However, job counts will increase in certain segments of both sectors, including graphic design and post-production services.

The full report is available at www.otis.edu/about/presidents_messages/creative_economy.html :

A panel discussion, moderated by Frances Anderton, KCRW’s on-air host and producer, followed the presentation of the report. Panelists were Andy Mooney, chairman of Disney Consumer Products; Sir Ken Robinson, creativity expert and author of The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything; and Laura Zucker, executive director of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

At the end of the presentation, with over 350 of Los Angeles’ business, philanthropic, art and design leaders looking on, Mattel International President Bryan Stockton presented a $1,850,000 gift from Mattel, Inc. to Otis College of Art and Design to support student scholarships, art and design curriculum and facility enhancement. “To be competitive in the world and in this age of ideas and innovation, we must embrace creativity in our schools as well as our workplaces,” said Hoi in accepting the check. “Mattel clearly understands this important issue by responding with this generous gift.”


This year’s event was sponsored by the California Community Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, toy maker Mattel, and City National Bank. “To us, the data in the 2009 Otis Report are more than the facts of creativity’s economic impact,” stated Hoi. “They also tell the story of possibilities made real by a combination of education and talent.”


ABOUT OTIS:

Founded in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design prepares diverse students of art and design to enrich our world through their creativity, their skill, and their vision. The College offers an interdisciplinary education for over 1,200 full-time students, awarding BFA degrees in advertising design, architecture/landscape/interiors, digital media, fashion design, illustration, product design, painting, photography, sculpture/new genres, and toy design; and MFA degrees in fine arts, graphic design, public practice, and writing. Continuing Education offers certificate programs as well as personal and professional development courses. More information on Otis College of Art and Design is available at www.otis.edu : or by calling (310) 665-6800

For Otis College of Art and DesignSheri Mobley,

323-668-0874 smobley@mobleymarketing.com : mailto:smobley@mobleymarketing.com

CTN EXPO Discount!

CTN-X=Talent Driven | The Creative Talent Network Animation Expo (CTN-X) is bringing the world of animation to the City of Burbank for ONLY 3-days beginning Friday, November 20th – Sunday, November 22nd.

Located in the animation epicenter, Burbank is home to some of industry’s largest animation studios including DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Animation and Warner Brothers. to name a few. CTN brings together the creative talent from some of the highest grossing films in the history of animation. Acclaimed artists such as Laikas’ Lou Romano, 20th Century Fox’s Don Bluth and the New Yorker Magazine’s Peter de Séve are leading educational sessions to share industry secrets, tips and techniques from some of the summer’s biggest blockbuster films, television series and comic books. See them in action at CTN-X live.

Hurry as the early bird deadline to register is October 31, 2009. CTN-X will take place at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center with ample discounted parking and is conveniently located across the street from the Burbank Airport and Amtrak Station. Early bird tickets are at $25 for the exhibit floor only, $55 for a day pass and $125 for a 3-day pass.

Discounted rates are available to students, active military and professional industry organizations. Learn from the best at this very different event. For more information and to register, please visit: www.ctnanimationexpo.com or call, (800) 604-2238. Be sure and mention your organizations special discount code for an additional 10% off any 1-day or 3-day pass. (BAVFX09)

New Princess & the Frog Updates

New Trailer & Tickets are Now On Sale!

Warner forms DC Entertainment

One More Logo To Look At Before Batman Movies: Warner Forms DC Entertainment
More: DC, news, warner bros.



In an desperate effort to compete with the recent Marvel/Disney merger, DC Comics parent company Warner Bros. has decided to overhaul the company into "DC Entertainment," a single unit that will control DC's properties and give them more synergies and vertical integrationings (business terms).more

Call for Nomination Committee Judges

ASIFA-Hollywood is seeking individuals interested in serving on nomination committees for the 37th Annual Annie Awards. Nominating committees shall select the Annie Award production nominations and individual achievement nominees.



images/annies_web_hdr.jpg

http://www.annieawards.org/judging.html

Disney to buy Marvel

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3if39271c89709c28e51aaec2525f7793b

Disney to buy Marvel for $4 bln
Stock and cash deal to combine character library
By Paul Bond and Georg Szalai
Aug 31, 2009, 09:39 AM ET
Disney has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel shareholders would receive $30 per share in cash plus about 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share.
Overall, the deal is valued at $50 per Marvel share as of Friday's closing price.

"We believe that adding Marvel to Disney's unique portfolio of brands provides significany opportunities for long-term growth and value creation," said Disney CEO Robert Iger.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Marvel CEO Ike Perlmutter.

Both companies' board have approved the deal. It now requires antitrust and Marvel shareholder approval.

Animation in August presented in partnership with the Organization of Black Screenwriters.

Wed., August 26th

7:00 - 9:30 PM

Animation in August presented in partnership with the Organization of Black Screenwriters. (OBS)



PITCH! - You've Created a Great Animated Project, Now, Who, Where, & How to Pitch It.



We've invited some heavyweights to provide helpful hints and pitching techniques with an opportunity for one or two of you to actually pitch your project and receive invaluable feedback! Invited guests include:



Karen Rupert Toliver - VP Production - Twentieth Century Fox Animation



Dwayne Corbitt - Co-Presidnet/Partner, Farcor Studios, Da Jammies (new series)



Sidney Clifton - President/Producer - Sanctuary Enterprises



Roland Poindexter - VP of Original Animation Programming, Nickelodeon



Eric Elder - Ow! Entertainment



MODERATOR

Krystal Cooper - Chair, Blacks in Animation & VFX, LA ACM SIGGRAPH Membership Chair



LOCATION:

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room,

1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.

FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!



WORKSHOP FEE:

$10 - MEMBERS of OBS and BAVFX

$15 - NON-MEMBERS

http://bavfx.blogspot.com

The Angolan Simpson Campaign...Your take?

Meet The Angolan Simpsons


To announce that Africa’s digital satellite TV service DStv now offers The Simpsons on channel Bué in Angola, ad agency Executive Center in Luanda, Angola decided to, uh, re-culturize America’s most famous TV family. - From Animal New York

Cartoon College for Free & Gnomon ETP Program

Post the link to your blog or website on John K's Website.




Subsidized Training for those working at California companies: Gnomon School of VFX


To be eligible for Gnomon’s ETP contract a company must be involved in the production of entertainment content and must face out-of-state competition. Subsidies are for full-time staff who will directly benefit from the training received.
Ideal companies for ETP are:

* Involved in producing content for the entertainment industry
* Need to quickly train employees
* Face out-of-state competition
* Need to learn the latest versions of 3D software, new technology or refresh staff skills for an upcoming project

Companies who have participated in our ETP program have found it increasingly valuable, sending more and more employees to classes each term. For more detailed information about subsidized training download the ETP Brochure.
Start Your Subsidized Training

Contact us to see if you and your staff are eligible to take part in ETP:

* Email Pam Hogarth at pam@gnomonschool.com
* Call us at 323-466-6663

Algiers Technology Academy

Student Body President talks about the new lab donated by the SIGGRAPH outreach team. We are proud to have been able to volunteer during the project.



Student demonstrated what he learned in MAYA earlier that morning.

Join us on FB & SIGGRAPH 2009

http://www.facebook.com/bavfx

New Photos being uploaded daily from SIGGRAPH 2009

Blacks in Animation & Visual FX mentioned in Comic Con Article!!!!

Blacks in Animation & Visual FX mentioned in Comic Con Article!!!! Read the full article posted at Comic Book Resources. I posed this question during the Annual Black Panel at Comic Con this year.


Here is a snippet from the article:

A representative from an organization called Blacks in Animation and Digital Effects noted that many African-Americans work behind the scenes

in the industry and are often invisible. She asked if the panelists felt that being black was an advantage or not in terms of a career within the industry.

"At the end of the day, people want talented people," Hudlin said. He noted that it's tough to get a job in Hollywood for anyone. But he was encouraging, adding that if you are talented, have a good work ethic and work hard, you can make it happen.

Nichelle Nichols chimed in her agreement, stressing perseverance, a dedicated work ethic and maintaining hope until you get what you want. She then had to leave early and again received a standing ovation.

Pictured above l to r (Krystal Cooper, Chair of Blacks in Animation & Visual FX, Producer Kwame Holland and GeekSquad Co-Creator Martell)

OBS presents Animation in August - Co Sponsored by Blacks in Animation & VFX

Organization of Black Screenwriters presents
Animation in August - Co Sponsored by Blacks in Animation & VFX



Animation is one of the most vivid and lucrative forms of entertainment in today's Industry. From Pixar and Disney to Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and the Web, there are more outlets to distribute animated content than ever before. For those seeking entrée into this once highly exclusive career field, now is one of the best times to learn how to become a part of this successful genre and how to create content for it.

Our overall objective this month is to inform our members about writing for and creating animated content in today's market. As writers, we are aware of animation, but many of us don't know the first thing about writing for it-or what it takes to create and bring such projects to life. Join us in August for an in-depth exploration of Animation, an art-form Walt Disney once said, "can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive." We'll host our General Meeting on August 1st, followed by three (3) consecutive Wednesdays beginning August 12th, August 19th, & August 26th.

OBS General Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Sat., August 1, 2009

We've invited a group of multi-faceted industry professionals to provide attendees with inside knowledge on how to work in animation; the current climate of animation; the differences in 3D, television, and feature film, and how to bring your animated ideas to life. Joining us on our panel will be:

Ralph Farquhar - Co-President/Partner of Farcor Studios
Executive Producer, The Proud Family, Da Jammies (new series)

Kwesi Davis - Production Engineer, Dreamworks' Madagascar, Shrek The Third, Kung Fu Panda

David Wyatt - Writer, The Proud Family, Class of 3000, OBS Board of Director

Jason Van Veen - Writer, Boondocks

Greg Eagles - Voice-Over Actor, AfroSamurai, Grim Adventures of Bill & Mandy

Daveed Kolodny-Nagy - Independent animator, Creator, Teapot

Tyree Dillihay - Animator/Director, Da Jammies, El Tigre, Read-A-Book

James A. 'Jim' Simon - Animator/Director, X-Men, Doug, Pac Man, Alvin & the Chipmunks, California Raisins, Smurfs, and much, much, more.


John Semper, Jr. - Writer/Producer, Television/Film, "Scooby-Doo," "Smurfs," "The Jetsons" (Hanna-Barbera Productions); "My Little Pony," "The Moondreamers," (Marvel Productions); "Duck Tales" (Disney); "Alvin and the Chipmunks" (NBC Productions); and many others.


We'll also have other special guests for the August meeting; Doreene Hamilton, Executive Director Cosby Program; Meg DeLoatch, Executive Producer/Writer along with all our regular segments.

OBS meeting is held at the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room, 1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.

The meeting is FREE to Members with valid OBS Membership card.
$20 - Non-Members & visitors (CASH ONLY), which can be applied towards membership if you join at the meeting. FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!
jwilliams@obswriter.com
310.844.8755

Animation in August:Workshops

Wed., August 12th

- Day 1: Workshop
7:00 - 9:30 PM

Creating Animated Content for Online-and off!



You've had an animated idea for years, but you never quite thought you could pull it off.



Well, think again! Creating your own animated content is easier than ever, and Shawnee' and Shawnelle Gibbs, web series creators and producers, will help you discover your inner-animator. This workshop will provide attendees with hands-on information on how an idea can go from page to stage with little to-know budget required.



Techniques Explored: Flash Animation, Traditional Hand-Drawn and Stop Motion


LOCATION:

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room,

1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.



FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!

WORKSHOP FEE:

$10 - MEMBERS

$15 - NON-MEMBERS


Wed., August 19th - Day 2: Workshop

7:00 - 9:30 PM

From Page to Stage!


In the second day of this 2-day workshop, participants will continue to explore techniques for creating, recording sound and publishing their own cartoons for online and off. With creativity and simplicity, each participant will realize their own cartoon prowess, while developing ideas that can become the basis for the next step: a successful pitch.

LOCATION:

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room,

1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.



FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!

WORKSHOP FEE:

$10 - MEMBERS

$15 - NON-MEMBERS


Wed., August 26th - Day 3: Workshop

7:00 - 9:30 PM

Presented in partnership with Blacks in Animation & Visual Effects, (BAVFX)



PITCH! - You've Created a Great Animated Project, Now, Who, Where, & How to Pitch It.



We've invited some heavyweights to provide helpful hints and pitching techniques with an opportunity for one or two of you to actually pitch your project and receive invaluable feedback! Invited guests include:



Karen Rupert Toliver - VP Production - Twentieth Century Fox Animation



Dwayne Corbitt - Co-Presidnet/Partner, Farcor Studios, Da Jammies (new series)



Sidney Clifton - President/Producer - Sanctuary Enterprises



Roland Poindexter - VP of Original Animation Programming, Nickelodeon



Eric Elder - Ow! Entertainment



MODERATOR

Krystal Cooper - Chair, Blacks in Animation & VFX, LA ACM SIGGRAPH Membership Chair

LOCATION:

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg, Main Conference Room,

1999 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018.



FREE Parking in the rear of the building on Hobart Avenue off Adams Blvd.

PLEASE RSVP ASAP!

WORKSHOP FEE:

$10 - MEMBERS

$15 - NON-MEMBERS

Blacks in Animation & VFX and Blacks in Gaming @SIGGRAPH 8/6/09

Blacks in Animation & VFX and Blacks in Gaming at SIGGRAPH 2009
Meet-up for black professionals and students involved in animation, visual FX, and gaming co-sponsored by Blacks in Animation & VFX (BAVFX) and Blacks in Gaming (BIG).

Wednesday, 6 - 7:30 pm
New Orleans Marriott
Studio 6
Krystal Cooper
blackanimation (at) gmail.com

Attending SIGGRAPH in New Orleans? Please Volunteer

Greetings Fellow SIGGRAPH Enthusiasts:

I’m very proud to announce that SIGGRAPH 2009 has put together a number of outreach/charity programs to give back to the New Orleans community before and during the upcoming conference.

These programs need your help and support. Given the culture and history of SIGGRAPH, we are hoping to receive the invaluable cooperation and participation that the LA CG community has always shown in the past.

There are several great ways you can participate:

• You can volunteer for just a few hours during just one conference day to share your insights and show deserving high school students what makes SIGGRAPH so great and provide them with career insights they never knew existed.

• You can help fellow volunteers design and decorate a graphics lab at a local high school in New Orleans that will forever change and impact young lives and potentially change their career direction.

• For those of you with little volunteer time, you can download a custom SIGGRAPH 2009 New Orleans jazz album with the proceeds benefiting a jazz camp for kids in New Orleans. The album is available now on iTunes and online.

Now more than ever this community needs your support. Please click on the link below for more details on how you can make a difference.

http://www.siggraph.org/s2009/community/outreach/index.php

Thank you so much for reading this message and for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.

Jerome Solomon

SIGGRAPH 2009 + 1 Outreach Chair

Industrial Light and Magic

The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 Reaches Agreement with the AMPTP

The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 Reaches Agreement with the AMPTP

& More New Production Resources

The term of the new contract is August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2012.

Wages will increase 2% per year and Pension and Health contributions will increase 1.5%.

NEW WEBSITE RESOURCES

Based on user requests we have added the current Teamster Basic Agreement (the "Black Book"), the IA Basic Agreement, the IA Area Standards Agreement and the IA National Low Budget Agreement. Find these new resources on the Agreements page of the website.

Please don't stop giving us feedback on useful resources for the site.

Enjoy,

Sallie C. Weaver
President & Owner
Entertainment Labor Consulting, Inc.
3371 Glendale Boulevard, #167
Los Angeles, CA 90039

P. 323-988-0759
F. 323-908-4738
info@entlabor.com
www.entlabor.com

Animafrik: Africa Animation Film Festival

Animafrik

Posted from FPS Magazine

Animafrik, an African animation film festival that seeks to promote African art and animation will take place October 5th to the 9th, 2009.

Animafrik draws the relationship between art and animation and plans to offer a platform to showcase Africa's finest works with screenings, workshops (including workshops for children), exhibits, and professional meetings under the theme "Telling Our Own Stories". There will also be regional screenings in various cities following the festival.

DVD submissions may be sent by courier to: Animafrik Festival, No.5. Anowa Link, Tesano, Accra, Ghana; or by mail to: P.O.Box KN 150, Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana.

The submission deadline is July 31 2009.

More information can be found on the Animafrik 09 website

The Cleveland Show Trailer

http://www.hulu.com/watch/82347/the-cleveland-show-cleveland-extended-trailer

Animator Bruce Smith featured in The Princess & the Frog Featurette

The Princess and the Frog - Return to Hand Drawn Animation Featurette with Black Animator Bruce Smith, Lasseter, Deja, Clements and Musker discuss Disney's return to hand drawn animation in AWNtv's exclusive "The Princess and the Frog" featurette.

Are the characters in Transformers 2 Racist? You decide.

Little Black Sambots - Article by CHUD
Are mudflap & skidz racist? - Article by UGO
Transformers 2 Mudflap and Skids don't do much "readin" - Youtube Link
History of Mudflap in Transformers Franchise http://bit.ly/jKXD0
History of Skid-z in Transformers Franchise http://bit.ly/1pMWDI

LA Arts Town Hall Meeting

Heading to the LA Arts Town Hall Meeting notes to follow soon.

Blacks & Women in gaming mixer tonight (E3 Expo)

Industry mixer for Blacks in Gaming & Women In Games International at ESPNZONE sponsored by Disney & Sony 6-9pm, Los Angeles, CA