This. Is. Awesome.

Ok, So I fully admit that I missed out on some amazing stuff with Samurai Jack. It was the best designed cartoon ever to exist. I’ve seen like, three episodes. I suck.

But you can watch this and not suck:

Samurai Jack Cutout (Cartoon Network Promo) from Bent Image Lab on Vimeo.

via: drawn!

There are few relationships as scary as that of a Sonic the Hedgehog fan and his Sega Genesis. As proof of this, a devoted sonic fan is attempting to create a feature-length fan film. The following is a trailer developed to raise capital for the film:

Some choice quotes about the film:

I’m planning on having 8 animators involved with this project including my lead animator; 2 keyframers, 2 tweeners, 2 background artists, and 2 CGI artists for the actual film. More people equals better the quality.

We are NOT at liberty at the moment, to reveal who is in the crew until either they give us permission to do so, or until you witness it in the end credits of the film. With that being said, rest assured that the crew is made out of some extremely talented individuals, all with something different to bring to the table. Devulging their names could cause further conflict ie spam, hate mail, and even death threats. This has happened in the past believe it or not. That type of animosity could jepordize and procrastinate its production. So please, respect their privacy and let them work in peace.

When asked if this film will be available for purchase, the creator replies:

NO. Absolutely NOT. Not only is it considered ILLEGAL, but we do not have SEGA’s endorsement, permission, or authorization to do so, and it is a clear violation of copyright laws. I am personally funding the movie from MY OWN savings and paychecks I recieve from my freelancing work. However, the movie will be downloadable FOR FREE to burn to DVD for PERSONAL USE ONLY, and we do NOT endorse copyright violation. Which means, NO RESALE OF ANY KIND or illegal distribution will be tolerated, and we are abundantly clear on this. Plus this project is no different than the Sonic fan material you see on Youtube or Newgrounds. The only difference is that it will have a higher production value.

Honestly, it is a real shame that so much time, money, and talent is going into something like this. I have always felt that creative energies should be spent on creating new, unique works instead of re-regurgitating someone elses creative efforts without their concent.

Note: Star Wars fan films don’t count. They have the full support of Lucas Film, and frankly. They just rock!

It is a shame to see so much work going into something that will never see the light of day. I’ve got a VERY good feeling that Sega Lawyers are going to be knocking on some doors.

It has been a long while since I have posted about Annabelle’s Bistro. I do apoligise for that. I can tell you that it is now complete and I am very excited for that! All I need at this point is to work out licensing for the music and then decide on how and where to show it. It has been a very fun project for me and I am very glad I had the oppertunity to do it and to bring so many talented students into the project as well.

In addition to the film, I have three final podcasts to edit and post, along with a bunch of great activities put together by Jenna Gadgen. (Coloring Book, Word Puzzles, Paper Puppets, etc.) All of this should be going up on the official site very soon.

More on Annabelle’s Bistro shortly! I promise!

Brad Bird speaks on Fostering Innovation and stimulating creativity.

I said, “Give us the black sheep. I want artists who are frustrated. I want the ones who have another way of doing things that nobody’s listening to. Give us all the guys who are probably headed out the door.”

What are you still doing here? Go read it now!

Holy Cow. What Can I say? The teaser for Tron 2 has made a believer out of me. You CAN update that movie and give it all the style and excitement of the original.

I cannot think of a better tribute to the memory of Michael Jackson than Eternal Moonwalk. So long as it’s not taken over by people trying to peddle their own products. (I have seen more than a few)

-Matt

Disney is soon to be releasing a new film entitled: The Princess and The Frog. It is a gorgeous looking film which marks Disney’s triumphant return to traditional animation. And while that should be the focus of media attention, it appears that more and more stories are popping up around the topic of the African-American cast. Is Disney quietly inserting stereotypical characters into it’s film as a covert form of racism?

Friends, don’t believe the hype. Some filmmakers may play with racism as if it is all a big joke for kids, but Disney is far more careful about such things. Heck, if they could, I am sure they would have removed Song of the South from the history books long ago.

Bottom line: You don’t make the star of your film an African-American if you intend to undermine such progressive moves with subtle racism. This is a period film set in Louisiana, People of that time dressed and spoke and behaved in a manor that was uniquely Cajun. And if someone doesn’t care for characterization of the culture of that period, then I submit that perhaps they should take a look within themselves and examine why they are so uncomfortable. We as Americans should be embracing our diverse cultural background and should not be running and hiding from it.

Let us celebrate Disney for finally creating a beautiful, lavish, and romantic film starring African-Americans, not demonize them for doing so.

When I was in college I had stumbled across a short film on the web that just left me in awe. The film was called More and it really served to shape my feelings of what great animation could be.

I was thrilled to find that Dan Trachtenberg and someone over at slashfilm feels the same way I do about this wonderful film.

Scott Kurtz and Kris Straub under-produced a four part series about the making of PVP: The Series, an animated series based on the webcomic by Scott….series.

The videos are a bit on the amateur side of things, but I think it adds to the charm. The rest of the videos can be found here.