Everyone should have a Pen' Pal

Flushed about Aardman

I went to see Flushed Away on Sunday evening and I have to say it's the best animated film I have seen all year.
Finally a movie with a solid storyline, good acting and writing.
And funny jokes for everyone; parents and kiddies alike.
Not mindless pop-culture references and dance routines that add nothing to the story.
Animation was top-notch as was the rest of the art production. Lighting, textures, FX, rigging, character and set design...it was all there.
The only thing that was mildly distracting was the facial expressions and lip sync which was animated in a very "stop motion" sort of way. I believe this was done to keep the Aardman feel that the studio has with it's other stop mo films. I'm not sure it translated 100% convincingly in this computer rendered film though.
But all in all, it's most definitely worth going to and it's enjoyable for families or adults only. My wife and I were laughing consistantly through the entire show.
Congrats to the folks at Dreamworks and Aardman for creting a great animated film.
Now, the next film on my list is Borat. Can you believe it's playing on only one screen in the whole province?
Crazy!

A quandary...

Oh, how I do love those ellipsis...
Well, I am waxing philosophic at the moment so I thought I'd share a bit of what's crossed my mind. Funny what a couple pints will do when you are out of drinking shape. Fleeting thoughts like dust motes in the wind. They come and go. This one stuck as particularly poignant so I mused to share it with the masses of internet-dom.
Masses?
Who am I kidding. There may be three people who will ever read it.
But, a pretty verbose opening paragraph, no? My, aren't I the little wordsmith?

Anyway, on to the topic of my ruminations...

It has recently come to my attention that I am a hopeless idealist. Well, an idealist for certain. Hopefully not hopeless. Um, sure...ok.
The thought that graced my grey matter by zipping whimsically through my cerebral cognition, an apparent redundancy that appears unbounded, was that I am indeed an idealist. To my own detriment at times.
I sleep quite peacfully, knowing that I hold true to my ideals despite that they sometimes work against my benefit. I refuse to play the game. I will bend lip to no posterior. I expect others to live and act with integrity and respect for others. Crazy, huh?
So often however, people will brown-nose, kiss ass, backstab, manipulate and politically undermine those around them in order to advance themselves in given situations.
The quandary then, is how do I stop being an idealist, yet still keep my ideals.
I think it's possible but difficult to achieve this. To maintain the ideals and values that I hold dear without giving too much weight and consequence to those who throw them aside.
It may be a life long journey.
I think I'll read up on buddhism.

Life is Crazy Sometimes

Well, I plan on starting a new job soon. I am saying goodbye to Lunenburg. I met some great people here and my time in this little village was enjoyable.
I plan on moving into the HRM (Halifax) area by the end of the month unless I get an offer from a certain studio on the west coast. I'll elaborate more on that later.
In other news, I have been working on Yellow Boat and I have a few layouts to share. If you want to have a peek, you can see them here. The pic from this post is a little taste.
I'm not sure, you may have to be a member of my production forum to see that link, but it's free and easy to sign up. Leave a comment or two if you feel like it. The more the merrier!
That's all for now - I'll update in a little while once the moving details are more firm.
Chow!

DMB @ The Gorge: Update

Wow. Just, wow.
What an incredible trip. There were 17 of us who made the trip down from Calgary and a few others who met us at the campsite to bring us up to 20.
It was three of the best Dave Matthews Band shows EVER. They played a lot of stuff, around three hours each night, and they ended up playing some rare tunes.
Pig, Grace is Gone, Bartender and Crush to name a few.
They also played some fantastic new songs like Sister, Shotgun, The Idea of You, Break Free and Can't Stop. Those beauties had us all psyched for a new album.
To make the weekend even more special, O.A.R. opened for Dave and they were sensational. I'd love to see them as a main act since they only played about eight songs each night to warm up the crowd for DMB.
Camping was a blast as usual but I think I am getting old. I was going to bed pretty early and couldn't keep up with the youngin's who were partying til 6am.
I really hope we get to go again next year too.
I met some new faces and got to hang with some people I hadn't seen in a while. I can't say enough about how awesome everyone was.
Here are some pics of the foolish, foolish time we had.
Peace y'all!

I'm on my weeeeay!

23 Days Until the Gorge!

Connie and I are heading down to Washington State to see the Dave Matthews Band at the most amazing venue in the world. The Gorge Amphitheatre.

Three days and nights of camping, partying and great music supplied by DMB. This year is extra special as O.A.R. are opening for Dave.
We have an extended crew this year with a lot of rookies making there first trip to the Gorge and their first concert with DMB. Wow! Talk about spoiled! DMB AND THE GORGE for you first show.
I should talk, that's the first venue Connie and I saw them too. And we've been hooked ever since.
There is such an awesome vibe there. Everyone is there to have a good time and take in the amazing sights and sounds.

Connie and I are probably traveling the furthest. Coming all the way from the east coast (Nova Scotia) to Calgary and then driving down caravan style with the rest of the crew. We have about 20-25 people making the trip.
Booyah!
Here is a pic from the last time we went back in 2004.

Barnyard Opens Today!

So a new animated feature opens today. Barnyard. My cousin Glenn and friend James Burke worked on this film and I am SUPER-EXCITED for them!
There has been a lot of criticism about the movie, what with a bull having an udder and all, but I have faith in Steve Odekerk and his crew to put an entertaining film on the big screen.
Will it be Pixar? No.
But who says it has to be? Pixar does their thing and they do it well. But Omation's first feature is an Omation film and deserves to be judged on it's own merit.
I'm looking forward to a fun movie experience with lots of laughs and good writing - something that is sorely missed in a lot of other big-budget films that have visuals that rival King Pixar.
Barnyard looks to be a good time and what more can you ask for?
Giddyup!

Atomic Swindlers, Thy time has come!

I got turned on to Atomic Swindlers after watching an animated video by Joel Trussel
So, after digging on the super cool video and grooving to the infectious sound of the song, I went straight to my iTunes music store and downloaded their album Coming Out Electric.
I was getting bored with a lot of music lately. There is only so much Nicklesuck, Dreary of a Deadman (aka Nicklesuck clone), American Idiot contest winners, manufactured skanky-blonde pop products (you know who I mean and that are more or less equivilant to running shoes, soda-pop, disposable razors, etc) and other tripe that gets fed through the radio waves and broadcast into our homes via the boob tube that a person can take.
Popular music is boring. Face it.
It's the bands on the fringe that are doing the interesting stuff. So, go to your local watering hole and check out an unknown band. Support your indy music scene.
And pick up Atomic Swindlers. It's a really fun album. Can I call a digital download an album? Oh well, you know what I am getting at here! ;)

Art

San Fran Chronicle Takes Dump on 100 years of Animation History

Well, from time to time, in the course of your life, you run into truly ignorant people. San Francisco Chronicle movie critic, Mick La Salle, while writing a review of the movie Monster House, decided to belittle the tremendous achievements pioneered by the famed Nine Old Men from Disney Studios.
Now, he didn't call out the master 2D animators by name, but he did take aim at the first traditionally animated feature film in history, Snow White.
I have no beefs with somebody reviewing a movie. It's only an opinion and everybody has one. However, when you stop writing you personal opinion of a movie and start treading into deeper waters about animation technique, technology and history, it's best to do some research and get your facts straight. Mr. La Salle did NOT do his research.
Take this juicy tidbit as an example: "Animated films always had the advantage of being able to go anywhere and show anything, to defy the laws of physics and follow the imagination as far as it could go. But they never had the ability to show the human face. There was never any point to a close-up in an animated film -- there was never really anything to see."
WTF!? Has this guy even watched an animated movie before?
I am beside myself how a person could be so unprofessional. However, it may be another indication at how weak the standards of modern media have become. There seems to be no concern with writing balanced, informative articles anymore.
And besides the bowl movement he takes on 2D animation, has he not watched Pixar's the Incredibles? No emotion or close ups there? I mean c'mon! Gee whiz!
Check out the article here.
Check out what artists at CG Talk have to say here.
Email Mick La Salle and let him know what you think mlasalle@sfchronicle.com.

Talk Free, Forever. It's how it should be.

Well, I have to tell you about this awesome piece of software that I just installed on my computer. It allows me to use my computer (along with a microphone and speakers) as a telephone.
I can make outgoing and recieve incoming phone calls from other computers and landlines (mobiles too!) anywher in the world and it's free*.
The software is called Skype and you should download it right away. Seriously. Stop reading this and go get Skype. It's wicked-awesome!
I am just giddy about it. Click on the image above to get started!

I've Just been Tagged

Well, I learned a new blogging term recently.
Tagging. My friend Steve Reese set me an email linking to his blog. To say that he is a Mini Nerd is a woeful misrepresentation of the facts in my opinion. ;)
Just kidding Steve!
So the whole idea is that you answer a bunch of questions and let your iTunes (or whatever mps player you use) answer the questions with the songs that come up. You need to have your player set to shuffle.
Steve did this (HUGE NERD) and then "tagged" me, meaning I am supposed to do the same. Well, how could I refuse?
If I learned anything from this exercise it is this: I need to get some new tunes. How embarrassing. Cutting Crew? Platinum Blonde? Oasis? The sad thing is that I have worse...
Oh well, here I am. The music me. Warts and all.

How Does the World See Me? Peace On Earth - U2
Will I live a happy life? Round Here - Counting Crows
What do people really think of me? Eating the Rich - The Lowest of the Low
How can I make myself happy? Some Might Say - Oasis
What Should I do with my life? Standing in the Dark - Platinum Blonde
What is some good advice for me? I'll Stand by you - Pretenders
What do I think my current theme song is? Jesus in a Camper Van - Robbie Williams
What song will play at my funeral? February Stars - Foo Fighters
What is my day going to be like? The statue got me high - They Might be Giants
Why am I here? Heartstrings - The Heavy Blinkers
What will people rmember me for? It's finally done - The Heavy Blinkers
What song will get stuck in my head tomorrow? Untitled - Oasis
Are there people outside waiting to take me away? So Much to Say/Anyone Seen the Bridge - The Dave Matthews Band
What will this year be all about? I just died in your arms - Cutting Crew

RUGBY 06: Scrum, Maul and Ruck to your hearts content

Well, my first game has debuted at number 5 for all platforms at all prices on the UK game charts.
There is a great flash site on Electronic Art's UK site. They have some great videos and pics so you can get a feel for how the game looks. Check it out!
Here is what some of the reviews are saying about Rugby 06:

OXM (Official Xbox Magazine) 8.4 - "Not just the best looking rugby game on Xbox, one of the best looking sports games ever."

IGN 8.3 - "Rugby 06 improves upon its predecessor in almost every way. At times, if you don't button through the cutscenes, you'll feel like you are watching a rugby broadcast, and that's high praise. ...this is easily the prettiest rugby title yet."

GAMESPOT 7.6 - "Thanks to some crucial new control mechanics, the introduction of star impact players that can blow a match wide open, real clubs and players, and a faithful re-creation of the high-impact sport of rugby, Rugby 06 improves on last year's effort and remains an engaging and fun game."

STUFF MAGAZINE 8.5 - "You won't be disappointed. Rugby '06 is so good, if you shut your eyes and hold the box to your nose, you can practically smell the post-scrum Guinness vomit."

OPERATION SPORT 8.0 - "At the unbelievably low price-point, Rugby 06 is a steal. If you like sports games and are looking for a solid, action packed title, you owe it to yourself to give Rugby a try. "

But hey, don't take their word for it. Go out and give it a try!
I am a little late posting on this so the game has since dropped to #5 for the PS2(was #1) and #6 for the Xbox (was#5). Another great game that was created at our studio is Fifa Street 2 for the PSP. It's currently at number one!
I am very proud to have had a part in creating this game (Rugby06). It was the culmination of many talented programmers, artists and producers.
There aren't enough positive things I can say about the team here at HB.
So, look for both of these games in stores. They really are fun to play!

Because Inspiration is Everywhere

I thought I'd link to a website that I have been frequenting over the past few months.
From the Drawn! website: Drawn! site is a multi-author blog devoted to illustration, art, cartooning and drawing. Its purpose is to inspire creativity by sharing links and resources.
Albert Einstein said, “The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources,” but what the hell did he know anyway?
The site was conceived by John, like all good ideas, while goofing off at work.

I check out Drawn! just about every day to get a dose of illustration goodness. The contributors at Drawn! make it easy for me to get access to a lot of great artists and work that I may not have already been aware of.
Check it out!

Grand Theft Superbowl

Crackle...crackle...

All units be on the lookout for a gang of thieves. Mostly older caucasian males, wearing black and white shirts and ball caps.
Suspected of stealing the superbowl trophy from the Seatle Seahawks and unloading it to Bill Cowher and Jerome Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Use extreme caution. Suspects are considered senile, dim-sighted and possibly retarded.

Crackle...crackle...Dispatch out. Crackle....

What a joke. What was a pretty good football game could have been much better if the men in stripes did their job at even a mediocre level of competance. Alas, even that was too much to expect. Pittsburgh's 12th man, in some circles know as the officials, handed them the victory on a silver platter.
They called back a Seahawk touchdown because of offensive pass interference, a call you almost NEVER SEE in NFL football. There was the slimmest of contact between the two players and to call it a "push off" is treading on ice that is so thin it's almost non-existent.
Then later in the game, they awarded the Steelers a td when QB Ben Roethlisberger clearly did not break the plane of the endzone. Worst of all the line judge had a clear and unobstructed view of the play and made the wrong call. Even in slow-motion replay, the head official refused to
overturn the call on the field.
The fix was in.
With those two enourmous blunders by the officials, the final tally would be Seattle 17, Pittsburgh 14. Who knows what the final score would have really been if the officials had done their job.
Momentum is a big part of the game. Had Seatle been awarded that initial touchdown, they may have ended up crushing the Steelers on the scoreboard. They already were dominating them in the first half, even with the officials working against them.
Too bad, it was a good game but the officiating marred what could have been one of the best world championships in recent history.
I'm glad Bill Cowher and Jerome Bettis finally got a championship. It would have been sweeter if they had actually earned their rings.

You need more Moore

Hello Folks.
Just a quick note to plug a fabulous book I recently finished reading by author Christopher Moore.
"Lamb the Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" was a great (and quick) read. It's basically an account of the first 30 years of Jesus' life told from the view of his fictional childhood chum, Biff.
It deals with a lot of serious issues about spirituality but this yarn unrolls in a very light-hearted and intelligent manner. Although the story is more or less completely fictional, you get a new perspective about the Saviour of mankind and get a chance to care about him in an entirely different way than He has been portrayed in the Bible and in movies. You get to see Him as human. Struggling to come to grips woth the daunting destiny of saving all humanity. I mean, how would you respond to having supernatural powers as an 8 year old? That's a lot to deal with.
As Uncle Ben said, "With great power comes great responsibility."
At any rate, you'll be doing yourself a favour by picking up this book. I know I'll be making a trip to the Yarn Barn for a few more of Mr Moore's novels.
If you are a hard-core Christian who likes to burn Harry Potter books because they are evil and poison the minds of our youth, you may not like this satirical look into the Messiah's early life. OR, lighten up and read the damn book. You might learn something.
With incredible journey's, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations and hot babes, there is something for everyone.

Uncertain Future for Canada

Well, Canada has elected a new governing body.
Although it is not an ideal situation for Canada, to be realistic, it's the best we could hope for.
Paul Martin's Liberals had their chance and they didn't make the grade. They needed to be replaced.
As Stephen Harper appears on national TV with his shit-eating grin, acting like he is the choice of Canadians everywhere, he should be aware that he didn't win this election. Paul Martin and his Liberals lost it. The money scandals proved too much for them to overcome. And rightfully so. But do we really believe that the other parties aren't as dirty as the Liberals were? Money exchanges hands, backs are scratched. That is politics.
The Conservatives, as scary and narrow-minded as they are, are the only option in most Canadian's minds. It's either Tory Blue or Grit Red up here in Canada, eh. And we'll bitch and moan about them equally.
What we won't do? Actually make a real change.
The Liberals and Conservative parties have been running this country for years and it seems like the population is never happy about who is in charge. We just get tired of the current party and flip-flop to the opposing colour.
Why not give another party a chance? NDP Jack Layton is the only candidate that actually practices what he preaches. He is about the average Canadian, not big corporations.
I'm not saying the NDPs are the answer to Canada's problems, but I wouldn't mind them getting a kick at the can. They couldn't do any worse that the others have done.
It is increaslingly frustrating as Canadians vote along party lines because their fathers voted Tory or Grit and their fathers before them.
Is it so hard to actually stop and think for ourselves? Make a decision based on the best party for the current times?
I can only hope that parties like the NDP and Green Party will continue to make gains and that Canadians will eventually vote for a real change for the better and not change for the sake of change.
And while I'm at it, why in the heck is Gilles Duceppe getting equal coverage as the national parties? It is clear he is only concerned about Quebec and not the rest of Canada. He should run for premiere, not for federal leadership.
I'd rather see the Green Party leader Jim Harris during the debates. At least he has support nationwide, albeit small.
At any rate, the Tories are in power for now and it is a minority government. A minority with less seats than the previous minority government.
Let's hope the other paries work hard to keep Stephen Harper in check.
I for one won't mind going back to the polls in another 18 months if it means putting a trust-worthy leader in charge.

Across the world and back again

Well, I am back from Taipei and the TICTFF. I must say that this was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my life.
The festival organisers and volunteers did an outstanding job. The screenings were great, the staff were great and the kids and guardians attending the festival were wonderful.
I think everybody had a fantastic time.
A big THANK YOU to everyone involved with the festival for running a first-class event.
And I met some really terrific people at the festival, two of whom I became very fond of. ;)
All of the directors/producers/actors who were in attendance were a joy to meet.
I highly recommend Taiwan as a travel destination. The people are beyond friendly and the country and culture are rich and inviting.
I hope I get to go back soon!

Bon Voyage...

Well, I am off to Taipei, Taiwan tomorrow. It will be the first leg of my journey to the Taiwan International Children's TV and Film Festival. After arriving at the Halifax International Airport at 4 am, I have 27 hours of flying and waiting to look forward to! Oh JOY!
It will be great once I am there though. After (hopefully) catching some zzz's on the plane, I'll be checking into my hotel to get some more sleep. Taiwan and Nova Scotia have a 12 hour time difference so jetlag will ost likely have an impact on my system. With any luck, I'll be ready for the fetival the following day.
TICTFF will be providing me the service of some enlgish students to help translate while I am there. It should make for a smoother integration as I know absolutely no mandarin.
Well, I know the fruit. Love the fruit.
But I doubt that will help me much.
I don't know how much access I'll have to a computer while I am there but I'll try to update this blog over the five days I am in Taipei. If not, I'll post again when I return.
Wish me luck!

Frederator Loves You

Want an extra special treat for your iPod? Subscribe to Channel Frederator for some of the most entertaining cartoons that will fit into your pocket.
Whether you are stuck on the bus or train on your way to work, on the verge of slipping off to sleep in church as the preacher drones on about how you are going to hell, or tired of watching all those late night infomercials at 3 am; never fear, Frederator is here.
Anytime is a good time for cartoons.
Just make sure you are in the back pew if you are in God's house. And say a few extra Hail Mary's 'cause you are going to hell.
Side note: check out episode 5 to watch my film, Pen' Pals. Be a pal, leave a comment.

More Podcast Goodness

Arguably the world's best-known super hero, Superman, will make his return to the silver screen this summer, almost 30 years after the original movie starring Christopher Reeve was released.
Director Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects, X-Men, X2: X-Men United) is at the helm of the new Supes and he has been publishing a unique behind the scenes video diary through iTunes.
The Superman podcast is rated number 2 in the "Top 10 Essentials for your video iPod" by Pod Guide.TV
As a side note, the great American superhero was co-created by Canadian, Joe Schuster. It seems all the best "American" stuff comes from Canada, eh?

Podcasts? This is a Mobcast...

Need something groovy to accessorize that new video iPod you got for Christmas?
Just want something to spice up your iTunes and make your friends jealous?
Well, here it is: Kangacast by the Kangaroo Alliance.
You can check out their blog and their website for more info about these New York artists. Click here to subscribe to the podcast.
It's feel good music and animation.
Trust me, your iPod will love you for it.

Happy New Year!

Ok, I know I am a few days late on the greeting but I mean it from the cockles of my heart just the same.
It was a tremendous end to 2005. I wrapped production on a short film, Aboriginality, produced by a friend of mine, Dominique Keller.
I also wrapped production on my first video game, Rugby 2006, created by HB Studios and published by EA Sports.
My short film, Pen' Pals, continues to gather steam and is scheduled to screen at the TICTFF (Taiwan International Children's TV and Film Festival). The good people at TICTFF were gracious enough to extend me an invitation to attend the festival. I'll be flying from Halifax on the 11th and returning on the 18th of January.
In other Pen' Pal news, I have learned that it will be part of the market at the Claremont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious short film festivals in the world. I am very honoured to participate in both of these festivals! Wish me luck!
Hopefully things will continue to be positive in 2006 with my next short film, Yellow Boat.