Archive for March, 2011

A little while back, the NFB announced this year’s Hothouse participants.  Among them was Tabitha Fisher, an animator and illustrator from Toronto.  I’ve featured some of Tabitha’s work here on the site before, and I’m very glad to announce that she’ll be doing a bit of writing for us for the next little while, sharing… »

March 28, 2011 Summary: You will work with small team compositing aspects for use in a television series. Primary Responsibilities: -Collaborate with the CG Supervisor to meet the needs of the production. -Watch for render errors/ missing composite elements. Skills and Experience: -Visual sense of digital composites, good sense of camera and highly experienced with… »

Type: Full-Time Employee. Salary: $35,000-38,000. Medical/Dental benefits. 2 weeks vacation. RRSP Plan. Start Date: Immediately. Company Info: Mercury Filmworks is one of Canada’s most prolific independent studios and widely recognized as a leader in the 2D animation production industry for its benchmarks in quality, reliability, and innovation. It has helped bring to life many of… »

Ok, so there appears to be some hope for our colleagues in New Brunswick.  Details have emerged regarding how the province plans to phase out the current Film Tax Credit, and news of new Digital Media Tax Credit is mentioned.  Here’s the release I was sent, it originated from the office of Deputy Minister Carolyn… »

Entertainment finance veteran promoted to Mercury Filmworks Vice‐President of Finance Mercury Filmworks is pleased to announce the promotion of Sandra Green from Director of Finance to Vice President, Finance. In her new position Green will report directly to Mercury President Clint Eland and oversee all aspects of the company’s production and corporate finances. Green, a… »

Here you go, I’ll let it speak for itself: New Brunswick media producers outraged with the province’s decision to eliminate the film and television tax credit Media NB strongly condemns the province’s decision to eliminate the tax credits and film New Brunswick. Maurice Aubin of Mozus Productions reacts to the budget by pointing out that… »

I don’t know anything else yet, but this is the message I got from Loogaroo’s Gene Fowler just a few minutes ago: New Brunswick just killed their tax credit. More info coming at 6pm. And this came in from Rob Anderson, just now: The new government in NB has decided that funding film is no… »

Thanks to everyone who read or commented on Part 1 of this 2-part article. People had great input, and hopefully this conversation helps clarify this complex aspect of the field. As a freelance or self-employed artist one of the most challenging things to keep track of is all of your freelance receipts. It is often… »

Mark C contributed this helpful pair of posts last year.  The info is as good now as it was then, and considering April is right around the corner, quite timely. (thanks to Chris Dainty for the suggestion) Tax time is almost upon us, and at this time of year many freelance animation artists are busy… »

‘Stella and Sam‘ creator Marie-Louise Gay posted about her POV on developing her childrens’ book into an animated property. A good read for anyone looking to start developing their own series and pitching. The main thing I got out of it was: a) it took a decade. b) she never waffled on what she wanted… »

The second volume of the Anthology Project is making its way to press.  For those of you unfamiliar with it, here’s the description from the website: The Anthology Project collects the comics of artists unified by their delirious pursuit of compelling narrative and notable artistic work in the medium of sequential art. Its humble intent… »

Well done to Theodore Ushev and everyone involved in the production of Lipsett Diaries, including Ottawa’s own animation grump, Chris Robinson, who scripted the film. Lipsett Diaries took home a Genie Award last night for Best Animated Short. Here’s the press release from the NFB: Montreal, March 10, 2011 – Lipsett Diaries, directed by Theodore… »

Big Jump is looking for a talented classically trained FX artist for a prime time series.  Must have a minimum of 3 years experience as an FX artist. You must be proficient in Flash and Toonboom.  This is a traditional hand drawn show no symbols.  All applicants must be Canadian citizens and Ontario residents as… »

With the festival poster unveiled, and comments flying, we can now get on to the official business of this year’s Ottawa International Animation Festival.  The call for submissions is open, and there are some changes this year.  Here are the details, pulled directly from the festival site: Film Submissions NOTICE *CHANGE TO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Starting… »

If you’re not following the comix over at thesupervillain.com, then you’re missing out.  Perennial favourite, Mike Geiger, decided he’d animate his strip this week, so bonus for us fans.  Here ya go: stump #17 from mike geiger animation on… »

March 7, 2011 Starz Animation has  several positions to fill: 1) Particle and Fluid Effects artists. Maya, Houdini, Realflow or similar software. We have some high-end video game cinematic project and a stereo live action movie that needs extensive work done. Interviewing right now. Contact Lance at lance.lefort@starz.com 2) Freelance compositors in Toronto. We have… »

Apparently, they’re carding this year. The ramp up to next fall’s Ottawa International Animation Festival has begun.  As is our custom, the first order of business is for the animation community to squabble about the festival poster.  This year, festival organizers have given us a whole new level of bickering, by offering up TWO versions… »

Starz always gets unnecessary flak for being owned by a US based company.  Seems like that’s about to change. Via ctv.ca: Canadian investors buy T.O. animation studio Touchstone Pictures’ ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’ Date: Friday Mar. 4, 2011 6:54 AM ET TORONTO — A Canadian group is buying control of Starz Animation Toronto, a digital media… »

Here’s the link to the original story, via CBC, but I think this one’s worth pasting. Authorities allege Ronald Weinberg took part in fraud worth $120 million Cinar co-founder Ronald Weinberg arrives at the courthouse in Montreal in 2006. Quebec provincial police have issued arrest warrants for Weinberg and two businessmen in the alleged fraud… »

March 3, 2011 Position: Senior Systems Administrator Status: Fulltime Reports to: Head of Production Technology Salary: Annual gross salary of CDN $XXX paid in biweekly installments Vacation: 2 weeks paid vacation/year ToonBox Entertainment is growing! ToonBox, a 3D animation studio located in downtown Toronto, is looking for talented IT professionals to join our full time… »

March 2, 2011 Overview Pixar Canada is offering an exciting 12 month Apprentice program which is ideally intended to give recent graduates with a year or less work experience, valuable hands-on experience and exposure to our unique production environment. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from working professionals and work with a world-class organization… »

Here’s a great little short based on the mini-comics by Ottawa artist Suzanne Marsden.  It was made by Geoff Marshall for Decode Entertainment.  I’ve asked Sue to share some background on the short, so check back in later for an update. Ivy And Dummy from Geoff Marshall on Vimeo. Here’s what Sue had to share… »

February 28, 2010 Type: Contract Salary: TBD. Medical/Dental benefits available. RRSP plan available. Start Date: Immediately. Company Info: Mercury Filmworks is one of Canada’s most prolific independent studios and widely recognized as a leader in the 2D animation production industry for its benchmarks in quality, reliability, and innovation. It has helped bring to life many… »