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!

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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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Interviews with AnimfxNZ Speakers and Digirati! – Joseph Olin

2 October 2009

Joseph Olin, President of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences

Documentary filmmaker Claire O’Leary of Gogomedia captured some of the essence of what AnimfxNZ is all about when interviewing Joseph Olin, President of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. In this interview, Olin talks specifically about the computer games industry, his pathway to becoming the President of the Academy and the future trends of the games industry worldwide. Olin returns to AnimfxNZ in October ‘09. As well as presenting, Olin will be holding an intimate and interactive Masterclass session where he will be working directly with game companies.

Joseph Olin at ANIMFX 08 from clare oleary on Vimeo.

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