Sebastian Sylwan talks R & D and 3D with Kim Hill and Paul Debevec features in the Dompost
3 November 2009
Sebastian Sylwan Head of Research and Development at Weta Digital, is speaking at the AnimfxNZ keynote conference this Friday November 6. On Saturday, Sebastian had a live interview with Kim Hill on Radio New Zealand’s Saturday morning show. To listen to the interview where Sebastian discusses 3D, Research and Development and muses over the future of visual effects click here.
Head of the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, Dr Paul Debevec spoke with Nick Churchouse from the Dompost last week. In this interview Paul describes how virtual actors are closing in on the real world!
There are still places left at AnimfxNZ 2009
Don’t miss out and register now!
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AnimfxNZ – a must attend event for Animation!
30 October 2009
Director of Karactaz Animation, Dylan Coburn shares his experiences with the event
Since starting in the animation industry as an Assistant Animator for Disney Television in 1995, Dylan Coburn has become one of the most respected animation professionals in the Asia/Pacific region. Dylan talks to AnimfxNZ about how his attendance and participation at past AnimfxNZ conferences has helped launch Karactaz globally.
AnimfxNZ: As a past attendee, what were your impressions of the content and networking opportunities at AnimFX?
Dylan: For the most part, very good. I was a speaker at the first AnimFX so I had more opportunity to meet other speakers – Animation pros are usually not accessible at all for start ups and beginners, so it’s a rare opportunity for them.
AnimfxNZ: What was the most interesting part of your experience?
Dylan: I enjoy the strong connection between the Animation, VFX and Games Industries. Like minded people exist in these areas, and the people make the party – so meeting new people who think in a similar way to you is the most interesting part. Often because they’ve had different experiences, and/or have been in the industry longer – their insights are very valuable.
AnimfxNZ: Did you have the opportunity to speak to the speakers after their talks? Who did you speak with?
Dylan: I spoke with all the speakers for the first two years. The third year I was not around much, due to work commitments. I’ve remained in contact with Sander Schwartz, Michael Carrington, and Tim Johnson who have become good friends as well as great business associates.
AnimfxNZ: How did the information from AnimFX change or affect your business or creative perspective?
Dylan: Strengthening my relationship with Sander Schwartz at the first AnimFX led to me hanging with Sander in LA, and him referring me to DC Comics. We ended up being recommended by DC Comics to Warner Premiere to produce a 60-minute Motion Comic called Superman:Red Son. This was a key breakthrough for Karactaz, and I was at Comic Con for the release in SanDiego this year to rave reviews. So – this conference has had a very useful effect on this company, that deal was not won entirely because of it, but it certainly laid a good foundation for the Motion Comic opportunity to arise. I have had further business discussions with the BBC and Dreamworks, as well as some creative counsel too. This is brilliant, and priceless – and was initiated from AnimFX years 1 and 2.
AnimfxNZ: Did you have the opportuniity to speak with people from the other creative digital entertainment industries? How were their perspectives similar or different from yours?
Dylan: The first 2 years we’re well received by the community, but the third year I didn’t attend much at all, so hard to know.
AnimfxNZ: What would you say to someone who is considering coming, but hasn’t signed up yet?
Dylan: Depends on their goals. If they have business and IP development ambitions, and need to broaden their network – absolutely sign up straight away. If they’re pros looking for creative or technology ideas and tools – this conference because its local is worth attending.
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Speaker interviews from AnimfxNZ 08
30 October 2009
Check out our youtube video from AnimfxNZ 08 with: Joseph Olin – President of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, Eric Roth – President of the Visual Effects Society and Steve Schklair – Founder and CEO of 3ality Digital.
See you at AnimfxNZ 2009!
Tags: AnimfxNZ 08 · Interviews · Speakers
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AnimfxNZ – a must attend event for Animation!
28 October 2009
If you’re serious about Animation, you seriously need to attend AnimfxNZ. Times are tough and budgets are tight, so we’ve kept our prices as reasonable as possible. This is your chance to learn from the world’s best, and your opportunity to pitch your ideas to real deal makers. Can you really afford not to go?
So come learn, pitch, and network with some of the top talent in the industry. The Thursday Animation Development Master Class offers detailed and hands on mentoring from Rita Street, and Sander Schwartz, two legends in the industry with Sander previously holding the prestigious position of President of Warner Animation. Friday and Saturday offer keynote presentations and tutorial workshops from leading talents such as John Stevenson, director of the box office smash hit Kung Fu Panda, along with the opportunity for one-on-one pitches with Sander and Rita. Alongside all of this are more speakers covering Games, Technology and Visual Effects with plenty of networking opportunities and social events included in the conference.
You will struggle to find a more compelling line up of Animation content at any one time in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are a producer, director, writer or creator of Animation, then AnimfxNZ is an event that you simply *MUST ATTEND*.
Details on the AnimfxNZ speakers, including Games and VFX gurus can be found here.
Details on the Animation Master Class Programme can be found here and the full timetable here.
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Air New Zealand specials for AnimfxNZ for a limited time only!
22 October 2009
30% off Domestic Flights to Wellington for AnimfxNZ!
We love Air New Zealand! AnimfxNZ strategic partner Air New Zealand, is offering special fares for AnimfxNZ attendees traveling from Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland. Travel is in and out of Wellington and must be on flights inbound between November 4-5 and outbound November 8-9, 2010. The special rate is 30% off the fare you select. Flights must be booked by midnight this Friday October 23.
How Does it Work?
Go to www.airnewzealand.co.nz and select your flights as you normally would on the homepage online. Then in the ‘Promo Code’ box under the orange ‘Search’ button type: ANIMCONF. 30% will automatically be deducted from the fares you selected.
Museum Hotel Special Rates expire this week!
If coming from out of town, don’t miss out on the Museum Hotel’s special rates for AnimfxNZ attendees. The Museum Hotel is the venue for the master classes and workshops and is opposite the conference venue, Te Papa. What better place to stay! To book with these special rates, call the Museum Hotel on 0800 994 335 or email them at: groupbookings@museumhotel.co.nz
Don’t miss out on these crazy deals and get yourself to AnimfxNZ!
Find out more about the full AnimfxNZ 2009 programme and speakers and register now!
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AnimfxNZ 09 announces Games presenter Christian Svensson
19 October 2009
Capcom USA’s Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development, Christian Svensson, will speak at AnimfxNZ 2009 on the changing face of the games industry. Once dominated by retail console games, the market has opened up to include downloadable games, social networking games, and casual titles that are on almost every device we own.
With the definition of “gamer” being redefined daily, Svensson is responsible for helping set the strategic direction of one of the world’s largest and most respected game publishers to meet the needs of these new markets while serving existing core gamers.
With more than 15 years of games industry experience, Svensson is a respected executive within the games industry and is a member of the board of directors for the PC Gaming Alliance and the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
Christian will be speaking at the AnimfxNZ conference on Friday November 6 and holding a workshop on Saturday afternoon November 7. Don’t miss out this opportunity to learn from one of the most influential people in the games industry.
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When ConceptArt Came to Town
15 October 2009
ConceptArt.org are a global community of artists who help each other learn about art and provide the best place to showcase work, further art education and meet artists from around the world.
ConceptArt.org workshops are awe inspiring! Wellington saw first hand last year as part of AnimfxNZ 08, just how amazing these participant driven workshops really are.
Check out ConceptArt.org and Massive Black’s workshop which ran alongside AnimfxNZ 2008
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Sander Schwartz awarded prestigious new role!
14 October 2009
Sander Schwartz has helped many NZ companies get a foothold in the US film production market. Sander has a track record of connecting NZ companies with the right overseas partners and lucrative deals have been made from those connections.
Sander has recently been named Head of Children’s Programming & Family Entertainment for FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the commercial and brand extension arm of FremantleMedia. FremantleMedia is a significant worldwide producer of screen content. In this role, Sander is responsible for developing the vision and strategy for children’s and family content, building deeper relationships with producers, third party IP owners and broadcasters to deliver innovative new programming for all platforms.
Sander has received multiple Emmy Award nominations from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was awarded an Emmy for his role in producing The Batman series for Kids WB. He has also received numerous other awards, including the Peabody Award and the prestigious Prism Award.
Previously, Sander was President of International Production for Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), overseeing all of Sony’s local language television efforts outside of the United States.
We congratulate Sander on his exciting new role and are honored and delighted to have a speaker of his calibre and influence, back presenting at AnimfxNZ 2009.
Don’t miss out on Sander and Rita Street’s full-day Animation Development master class on Thursday November 5th. Register now!
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Interviews with AnimfxNZ Speakers and Digirati! – Warren Franklin
2 October 2009
Warren Franklin, SFX Producer, Rainmaker Productions – from AnimfxNZ07
SFX Producer Warren Franklin from Rainmaker Productions presented at AnimfxNZ in 2007. Here he talks about his new multi-platform revamp of the first 3D animated television series, Reboot, and the excitement and energy of Animfx 07 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Warren Franklin, SFX Producer from clare oleary on Vimeo.
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Interviews with AnimfxNZ Speakers and Digirati! – Laurel Walker
2 October 2009
Laurel Walker, Director of Assets, Universal Studios
In this interview Laurel Walker talks about her impressive career, which includes working with Jim Hensen (and Kermit!) before joining Universal Studios where she is the Director of Assets. She also tells of her strong Kiwi connection and what lead to her involvement with AnimfxNZ after speaking at last year’s event.
Laurel Walker, Universal Studios from clare oleary on Vimeo.
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