Animation Nation

Here's an interesting commentary from a YouTuber who goes by Saberspark as he explores attitudes about animation and the lack of respect our medium gets from Hollywood elites... 

It was 70 years ago today that the iconic character of Foghorn Leghorn made his debut. How time flies, I say how time flies! The history of the Warner Bros Looney Tunes star is narrated by Myron Smith of Animation Treasures... 

For the third year in a row a collaborative effort by New York based Family Camp has resulted in Anijam III involving the eclectic efforts of many highly creative animators backed by the somewhat hypnotic music of Matt Cascella and James Downes. Family Camp is a collective of talent. You can find out who the artists are here.

Among my happiest motion picture experiences recently was watching "The Peanuts Movie" from Blue Sky. It was very well produced and charming with a high level of fidelity to the theme and feel of the original animated specials from the 1960's.

One of the animators on the film was Steve Orsini who offers us a glimpse at his showreel from the movie. You can see more of his work here.

Here's a fun and very impressive animated short from Athens based Renos Kontaris while enrolled in a 12 week Masters Project at the NCAA Bournemouth University MA 3D Computer Animation Course this year in the UK. "Chivalry is Dead" involved the efforts of 6 student animators who comprised the production crew.

I wish I would have seen this video 17 1/2 years ago in 1999. Of course it didn't exist back then but it sure woulld've helped in mentally dealing with what I was to face in the future over the AnimationNation Forums. The site was launched on February 25 1999 through a series of Articles That Started This which I authored. They addressed what was happening in the animation business at that time. The discussion forums that followed were in operation for many years and gave the artists of the animation community our first opportunity to comminicate with ourselves on a worldwide level. It also gave me first hand experience with what would later be called "trolls" and all the maliciousness that hateful individuals can bring to an otherwise productive and respectful conversation.

If you've ever gone through a hate attack online watch this and enlighten yourself through understanding and education. Thanks to London based Luiz Stockler for creating "On Being Hated".  Visit the animator's Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter and Behance. Luiz's Gif Everyday.

Great style and feel embodies a visual texture that perfectly supports the music. Hamburg based Henrik von der Lieth conjured an intriguing narrative around an explosive little villain. You can explore more of the animator's work at this link. Credit for the cool music goes to Felix Huber.  

This is the latest from a brilliant animator in the industry. I've known David G for a long time. Ever since he was a teenager enrolled at my school years ago. Today he is one of the most prominent and sought after storyboard artists in the biz. From Nickelodeon to Disney TV twice to Cartoon Network and now at Warner Bros TV he has been building a significant following on his CoolZone YouTube channel by virtue of the unique animated shorts he creates.

Cartoon David is also a leading force in animation in terms of reforming the union and getting it to work agressively for the betterment of the animation artists in the major studios in Burbank / Hollywood / LA.

He is courageous when it comes to his content. I'd say the most courageous animator I know. Check out his latest statement proving again the power of the animated medium.

Warning about the video.

Here's another animated feature on the way that looks to be highly entertaining. "Sing" hails from Illumination Entertainment and will be distributed by Universal. The film will be in general release on December 21 2016. Until then you can follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The next animated feature from Disney will be in general release this coming November 23 2016. "Moana" looks to be yet another first rate experience from the venerable studio. The latest trailer has several glimpses of what we can expect to see.  Follow Moana on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.