This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Saturday, March 13. For students (and their drivers) attending the Animation Workshop, it’s important to know that THE ONLY WAY TO GET TO ANIMATUS is by SCIO STREET at EAST MAIN STREET.

Please take a look at the map below.

To print out a fancy PDF version, click the following:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/files/awork-st-patricks-day.pdf

Click for a larger view.

New Animation Workshop Cartoons

This installment of student cartoons includes giant snakes, happy rats, running lizards, and fearsome spiders! See the latest from Monster World, Antipop, and the workplace drama “A Typical Day at the Office.”

If you ordered a DVD, you can pick it up at the studio weekdays between 10:00 and 5:00. (Note: we’re not here on Saturdays except when classes are running.)

Interested in signing up for our March classes? Go to http://animatusstudio.com/workshops to register online.

Watch the cartoons below, or subscribe to the free Animation Workshop podcast! Click Here to launch iTunes.

Tons O Stuff

Monster World End Credits

Antipop

A Typical Day at Work

Start the New Year off with a BANG! Release your own fireworks of creativity and begin the year with some new animation. As Dave always sings, “It’s fun to do the impossible. It’s fun to dream out loud.” Join us for some more fun beginning January 9th! Registration space is limited. Gift certificates are available.

Register Now For Winter Workshops

At a loss for what to give your aspiring animator this season? Give the gift of cartoons! They can see their ideas come to life in January’s Animation Workshops.

Winter Workshops
Saturdays
January 9, 16, 23, 30
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the

Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

Special Price for Subway DVD

In honor of the Animatus 20th Anniversary, we’re offering The End Of The Line for the low price of $20 this holiday season.

“The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway” tells the little known story of the rail line that operated in a former section of the Erie Canal from 1927 until its abandonment in 1956. The forty-five minute documentary recounts the tale of an American city’s bumpy ride through the Twentieth Century, from the perspective of a little engine that could, but didn’t.

“The End of the Line” Special Edition DVD contains over forty-five minutes of extra features, including three featurettes, a massive photo archive, outtakes, subtitles, and a subway map insert.

To buy your video directly from Animatus at this special price, go to http://animatusstudio.com/store/video.html

Play our animated holiday card!

One of our recent top secret projects was creating characters and artwork for Hopping Bird Productions’ new iPhone game, ASPERATA.

We’re pleased to announce that the game is now available for download!

Asperata is a warrior woman tasked with defeating a horde of desert sand creatures (commonly known as mummies). More than a simple shooter game, Asperata requires both skillful screen taps and tilting of the device to control your weapons, along with careful attack planning and defense.

Visit http://asperata.com to find out more.

Or search “Asperata” in the iPhone app store to download your copy.

For a limited time only, “The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway” special edition DVD will be available at 30% off of the retail price.

The discounted price is $20.00 + shipping & NYS sales tax.

(No shipping if you pick it up from Animatus Studio.)

This offer is only valid from November 17th – December 31, 2009.

This limited offer is only good only at the AnimatusStudio.com web site and Animatus Studio at 34 Winthrop St. Rochester, NY 14607

“The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway” DVD special edition makes a great gift for those who have never seen it or for those who only have the VHS. The DVD includes 45 minutes of extras including “Motherless Child” remnants of the subway including The Phantom Run, A Photo Archive of 150 still images, Closed Captioning, “The Steel Wheel” & much more.

Celebrate Animatus Studio’s 20th anniversary by saving money on the best documentary made about the history of transportation in Rochester. It’s the story about the smallest city in America to build and abandon a subway.

Makes a great holiday present!

This anniversary sale will end on January 1st, 2010.

The price will return to $29.95 plus shipping and NYS sales tax.

To purchase, go to http://animatusstudio.com/store/video.html

Special Price for Subway DVD

In honor of the Animatus 20th Anniversary, we’re offering The End Of The Line for the low price of $20 this holiday season.

“The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway” tells the little known story of the rail line that operated in a former section of the Erie Canal from 1927 until its abandonment in 1956. The forty-five minute documentary recounts the tale of an American city’s bumpy ride through the Twentieth Century, from the perspective of a little engine that could, but didn’t.

“The End of the Line” Special Edition DVD contains over forty-five minutes of extra features, including three featurettes, a massive photo archive, outtakes, subtitles, and a subway map insert.

To buy your video directly from Animatus at this special price, go to http://animatusstudio.com/store/video.html

One of our recent top secret projects was creating characters and artwork for Hopping Bird Productions’ new Iphone game, ASPERATA.

We’re pleased to announce that the game is now available for download!

Asperata is a warrior woman tasked with defeating a horde of desert sand creatures (commonly known as mummies). More than a simple shooter game, Asperata requires both skillful screen taps and tilting of the device to control your weapons, along with careful attack planning and defense.

Visit http://asperata.com to find out more.

Or search “Asperata” in the Iphone app store to download your copy.

360 | 365 Shorts Contest

Animatus Studio is a sponsor of 360 | 365 (formerly the High Falls Film Festival), and we’d like to encourage Rochester filmmakers to get a pie in the face. That’s the theme for the current shorts contest! So get some friends together, get some pies, and get going. The deadline to upload your entry to Youtube is January 15th. There’s a $1000 prize! Visit http://film360365.com/shorts for more info.

The Rochester High Falls International Film Festival has announced the finalists in its first-ever online short film contest. All 19 submitted films – which were based on the contest theme “Coming Home” – will be screened and the top winner announced at a special filmmaker celebration party on Monday, Oct. 12.

Entries include “I Enjoy Riding My Bike” by Dave Puls and finalist “The Lake” by Animation Workshop student Ben Doran.

Monday, October 12, 2009
5:30 p.m.
One Restaurant & Lounge
1 Ryan Alley in Rochester’s East End.

Featuring films and appearances of local filmmakers and actors from the Rochester area. Free, donations accepted.

Dave Puls will have a couple of his short films play at this event, celebrating the best of past fests.

Thursday, October 15, 2009
7pm
Strong Museum of Play
1 Manhattan Square Drive

Morning and Afternoon slots are still available!

Saturdays
October 10, 17, 24, 31
$159

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

SPECIALTY CLASSES BEGIN IN NOVEMBER

3D Workshop
An introduction to Lightwave
Saturday Mornings 9am – 12noon
Nov 7, 14, 21, Dec 5
$189

Intro to Adobe Flash
Saturday Afternoons 1pm – 4pm
Nov 7, 14, 21, Dec 5
$189

Register online:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/workshop-registration

See a demonstration of archery in medieval times, an introduction to the Laundry Master, a bizarre walk in the woods, and much much more!

Watch cartoons online or download to your iPod:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/student-work

If you ordered a DVD, you can pick it up at the studio weekdays between 10:00 and 5:00. (Note: we’re not here on Saturdays except when classes are running.)

Sign up for Fall Workshops

Morning and Afternoon slots are still available!

Saturdays
October 10, 17, 24, 31
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

For those who missed it, here are the competition winners:

1st PLACE:
“The Dustbusters in Attack of the Killer Dustbunnies”
by David Zipeto

2nd PLACE:
“Super Maintenance Man”
by Greg Masceri

3rd PLACE (TIE):
“How the Wheel Was Invented”
by Adam Markajani
“Rates and Proportions”
by Eve Bobrow

All in all, we enjoyed spending the evening with our students and their families. We’re looking forward to hosting similar events in the future.

~~~

Sign up for Animation Workshops in August.

There are still a few slots open for the Summer Animation Camp! We have 1 Thursday slot and 2 Wednesday slots available.

WHEN: Choose Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day.  See our Schedule for exact dates.

PRICE: $88.00 per week. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

Visit our website for more info:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/summer

~~~

Dunderbeck Surprise Premiere

Those who attended the Workshop Film Fest were treated to the unexpected premiere of the long term collaborative animation project, “Dunderbeck the Butcher.”

For the last several months, guilt-wracked workshop instructor Mike was haunted by dancing sausages in his dreams. “Why haven’t you edited the Dunderbeck film?” they called out. “Don’t the kids deserve a finished product? Also, the world is clamoring to hear you sing!” Certainly, these were very persistent sausages.

After many sleepless nights, Mike finally got his act together and edited music and sound effects to the kids’ animation. The film festival crowd seemed to love it, despite Mike’s off key singing.

You can now watch it online. But beware… you’ll be humming the Dunderbeck song all day!

Dare to watch at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/student-work

~~~

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

As part of the city’s 175th anniversary, a new laser light show will premiere this summer at High Falls.

Greg Winter of Wintek produced and designed the show, and Animatus contributed animation for the sports segments which pay tribute to Rochester athletes.

“Celebrate One City” includes a new recording by the Skycoasters. It features the marks Rochester-area residents have made on the world, from opera singer Rene Fleming and The Chesterfield Kings to Olympic track star Jennifer Stuczynski, George Eastman and Susan B. Anthony. The stories are told by area broadcasters.

Starting July 9, the 20-minute show will be every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day weekend. The best viewing is from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge. For information, call (585) 428-5990.

We’re proud to announce that the Animatus-produced interactive cartoon “Help Mikey Make It Out” has been named a Grand Winner in the 2009 APEX Annual Awards for Publication Excellence.

Animator Mike Boas worked with illustrator Jennifer Glanton and writer Carolyn Kourofsky of Prevention 1st Foundation to create this educational web adventure. The piece was designed to teach young children about what to do in case of fire.

One challenge in animating the game was allowing for variables, such as whether Mikey’s bedroom door would be hot or if there is smoke in the hallway. Because of this, kids and parents can play multiple times for a different experience.

The feedback we’ve received since last fall has been rewarding, and it’s an honor to be associated with this award-winning project.

Visit this site with your family!
http://homefiredrill.org/HelpMikeyMakeItOut.htm

More about the Apex Awards:
http://www.apexawards.com/apexawards.htm

Come one, come all!

In celebration of Animatus Studio’s 20th anniversary, we’re throwing a party for all workshop students, past, present, and future.   We’ll be screening some of the best student cartoons from past years, including entries in our FIRST EVER ANIMATION COMPETITION.

Thursday, July 16, 2009
7pm-9pm
At Animatus Studio, 34 Winthrop Street, Rochester NY

All attending students who entered something into competition (and  you know who you are) will receive a special gift.  Bring your friends and family!

What’s that?  You’ve never taken our workshops, but you’ve always wanted to see what we do?  You’re invited, too!

Maybe you’re part of the Animatus extended family — an intern we haven’t seen in years?  This is your chance to take a trip down memory lane!

If you’re planning on joining us, drop us a line so we know how many to expect!  (Your best guess will be helpful.)

FRED’S EMAIL: fred@animatusstudio.com

ANIMATION WORKSHOP RSVP HOTLINE: 585-232-3949

See Spyder Dude fight crime, a Dustbusters gag reel, the Bag of Cement saga, truck driving pencil tests, the conclusion of the Beast Wars adventure, and much much more!

Watch cartoons online or download to your iPod:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/student-work

One of our own Animation Workshop students, Adam Markajani, has a cartoon short playing in the Young Filmmakers Competition this Sunday, as part of the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival.  “How the Wheel Was Invented” depicts the unflappable Flappy Rabbit in prehistoric times, trying to (you guessed it) invent the wheel.  Adam produced the cartoon in our workshops, and we’re proud to see it play in this year’s festival!

It’s that time of year again, and Animatus is prepping for our involvement with the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival. We’ve been a sponsor since the festival’s beginning, and we’re happy to announce the events and films we’re involved with for 2009.

~~~

A Conversation with Pat Carroll

Animatus Studio and the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival are pleased to welcome Pat Carroll to this year’s program.

Thursday, May 14, 2009
5:30 PM
Memorial Art Gallery
Buy Tickets

Fred Armstrong of Animatus will conduct a conversation with Pat Carroll, actress of stage, television and the movies.

Carroll’s television work began as a regular on the sitcom Make Room for Daddy. She appeared on The Red Buttons Show, The Danny Kaye Show, The Red Skelton Show, and Caesar’s Hour, for which she won an Emmy in 1956. Carroll was also a favorite on game shows, including To Tell the Truth, Password, and I’ve Got a Secret.

Carrol later found an audience in animated roles. Her portrayal of Ursula the sea witch in The Little Mermaid is a favorite among Disney fans. Carroll portrayed Ursula in video games, theme park attractions, and The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. Her other voice work includes A Pup Named Scooby Doo, A Goofy Movie, Pound Puppies, and two Garfield TV specials. She also voiced Granny in the re-release of Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro.

As a member of The Actors Studio, Carroll continues to work in theater. Past roles include off-Broadway productions, Kennedy Center and national tours, and an acclaimed performance as Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

It is a pleasure to welcome this Emmy and Grammy winning actress to the festival.

~~~

High Falls Children’s Workshop Film

Children’s Shorts From Around the World
Little Theatre – Little1
Saturday, May 16, 2009 11:00 AM

Women Who Fought For Change

In the summer of 2008, the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival partnered with the City of Rochester’s Recreation Bureau to co-produce an Animation Workshop for Youth. Working with long-time collaborators Animatus Studio, nine teens were taught to create a short animated piece about three famous women who fought for change: Sojourner Truth, Joan Baez and Helen Keller.

~~~

Rochester Roots: Let’s Dig In

Children’s Shorts From Around the World
Little Theatre – Little1
Saturday, May 16, 2009 11:00 AM

Enjoy a playful romp through the community gardens of Rochester Roots as told and animated by students. An exciting look at one of Rochester’s finest educational programs for kids.

Dave Puls of Animatus edited this piece, with animation contributed by students of the Animation Workshop.

~~~

Plan ahead for summer! Sign up for Animation Workshops in August.

We’re now accepting registrations for the Summer Animation Camp at Animatus Studio. If you’re making your summer plans, keep us in mind so you don’t miss out!

WHEN: Choose Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day. See our Schedule for exact dates.

PRICE: $88.00 per week. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

Visit our website for more info: http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/summer

The Animation Workshop Student Film Festival will be coming in July! The deadline for submission is June 1st, so contact Animatus if you still plan to enter!

~~~

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

Friday night at 8PM is the Rochester Premiere of “THANKS TO THE WHISTLEBLOWERS,” the latest Fresh Toone from Dave Puls.

Friend of Animatus, Matt Ehlers, will present the insane comedy short, “LUNCH,” on Thursday evening at 8PM.

For a full list of shorts playing, visit
http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org/page4/page4.html

The 51st Rochester International Film Festival
A Short Film Festival
Thursday-Saturday, April 23-April 25, 2009

All showings at Dryden Theater
George Eastman House
900 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14607

Free admission, donations accepted

**********

New Fresh Toones on the Big Screen
Friday April 24th at 8:00 PM

Thanks to the Whistleblowers

Dave Puls/Animatus Studio
The latest musical short from Puls is an expression of appreciation to a special group of people who risk so much to disclose what is hidden from us.

Free Admission!

For more about Fresh Toones, visit
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones
and
http://youtube.com/davesfreshtoones

**********

Plan ahead for summer!
Sign up for Animation Workshops in August.

We’re now accepting registrations for the Summer Animation Camp at Animatus Studio. If you’re making your summer plans, keep us in mind so you don’t miss out!

WHEN: Choose Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day. See our Schedule for exact dates.

PRICE: $88.00 per week. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

Visit our website for more info:
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/summer

**********

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

If you’d like to see the Winter 2009 videos from the comfort of your computer, they’re posted online, sharper and cleaner than ever before! (Who needs Youtube, we’re going with Blip now!) You can see the wonders of stop-motion, hand-drawn, and computer-colored animation right here:

http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/student-work

While you’re there, check out the rest of the Animation Workshop site. We’ve got a super-cool new design that makes you think of pencils, papers, and erasers. (Mostly because it includes pictures of pencils, papers, and erasers.) It’s even easier than ever to find the schedule and all our class details. And, as always, you can sign up online using your credit card or Paypal account.

The Animation Workshop Podcast? Unbelievable!

Animation Workshop students can now download their cartoons to play in iTunes or an iPod. Simply follow the subscribe link, which will take you to our podcast page in iTunes. It’s an amazing thing, and FREE.

Sign up for Spring Workshops

Morning and Afternoon slots are still available!

Saturdays
March 7, 14, 21, 28
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

What’s going on for the Animatus 20th Anniversary?

We’re planning The Animation Workshop Film Festival and Open House for Thursday, July 16 from 7pm to 9pm. Workshop students have until the end of our April classes to submit their completed shorts. The first place winner will receive a copy of Animation-ish, a program from the ToonBoom company. There will be many other prizes and gifts for festival participants.

~~~

Emily Hubley in Person! The Toe Tactic
Saturday, February 7th 2009, 8:00 pm

“A kind of free-associative, good-humored surrealism informs The Toe Tactic, a feature by Emily Hubley that combines her squiggly, playful animation (most widely seen in Hedwig and the Angry Inch) with an oblique story about the serendipities of urban life” -A.O. Scott, The New York Times.

About the film: In her feature film debut, writer/director/animator Emily Hubley brings her distinctive hand-drawn style and an entire artistic community to this mischievous and melancholy cinematic meditation on themes of time, memory, loss and yearning.

Including performances by Lily Rabe, Kevin Corrigan, Daniel London, Hillary Hubley, Sakina Jaffrey, Sean J. Moran, Novella Nelson, Mary Kay Place, Jane Lynch and John Sayles with the voices of Eli Wallach, Don Byron, Marian Seldes, David Cross and Andrea Martin. Original score by Yo La Tengo. Animator and director Hubley will introduce her feature film debut and answer questions in a post-screening discussion. Co-presented by George Eastman House and the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival.

The Toe Tactic (Emily Hubley, US 2008, 84 min., Digital Projection)
Visit the website at www.thetoetactic.com

~~~

Emily Hubley in Person!
A Hubley Family Animation Celebration
Sunday, February 8th 2009, 2:00 pm

Pioneering animators John Hubley (1914-1977) and wife Faith Hubley (1924-2001) were known for their experimental styles and tendency to evoke genuine human emotions. The Hubleys frequently cast their own children as voice actors for their films. One of their daughters, Emily Hubley, became a celebrated animator and filmmaker herself.

This entertaining retrospective highlights several short works of animation by John, Faith, and Emily, including: THE TENDER GAME (1958); the Oscar®-winning MOONBIRD (1958); THE TOWER (1984); TALL TIME TALES (1992); HER GRANDMOTHER’S GIFT (1995); ONE SELF: FISH/GIRL (1997); PIGEON WITHIN (2000); BEYOND THE SHADOW PLACE (2000); SET SET SPIKE (2002); and OCTAVE (2006).

Emily Hubley will introduce the program and answer questions in a post-screening discussion. Co-presented by George Eastman House and the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival.

(Program running time approx. 90 min.)

~~~

Smoking Laws NYC Screenings

Know someone in New York City? We recommend checking out the hilarious Smoking Laws, featuring the one and only Fred Armstrong as the belligerent pan-handler.

Monday – 2/9/09 – 7:30pm
at The Gallery Players
BROOKLYN | 199 14th street
Between 4th & 5th Aves.

Wednesday – 2/11/09 – 8:00pm
at CSV Center
MANHATTAN | 107 Suffolk St.
Between Rivington & Delancey

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH RESERVATIONS
$5 Suggested donation | DVDs for sale
Reception with filmmakers and cast before and after

For more info & to see the trailer visit the official site: www.smokinglawsmovie.com To reserve your seat E-mail: info@eggwork.com

Smoking Laws (2008 | 83 min. | dir. Matthew Ehlers)
There’s a smoky new perimeter in the barfly subculture. Across the globe, more and more tobacco users are being forced outside of their favorite haunts. Smoking Laws takes you inside the curious conversations and confrontations that last the length of a cigarette. The film provides a voyeuristic look at the random strangers brought together by addiction. Smoldering in the haze of dirty secrets, dirty habits, beginnings, endings, even life-and-death, it’s smoking good fun. The first feature film from Eggwork Productions. Official Selection 2008 High Falls Film Festival.

~~~

Spring Animation Workshops

Our Winter workshops just finished up, so now’s the time to think about March!
Sign up today to experience the joys of animation.

Spring 2009
Saturdays
March 7, 14, 21, 28
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Call (585) 232-3949

Or register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

~~~

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

Former Animatus Studio artist Brian Menz has hit the big time, working most recently on the Disney feature “Bolt.” Brian was our lead Derf animator on “The Quest for Happy Hour,” and for good reason. Even then, we could see his talent for character animation.

Read a recent article on Brian from the Irondequoit Post here.

Not to be outdone, we also heard from Animatus alumnus Aharon Charnov, who is now a digital texture artist at the Henson Company, working on Sid The Science Kid. Before that he was briefly doing pre-vis The Pixel Liberation Front. He worked a bit on some sequences for Hulk, Speed Racer and T4.

Congrats to you both!

—

Winter Workshops make a great gift!

At a loss for what to give your aspiring animator this season? Give the gift of life! See their ideas come to fruition at The Animation Workshop.

Saturdays
January 10, 17, 24, 31
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

What’s going on for the Animatus 20th Anniversary?

We’re planning The Animation Workshop Film Festival and Open House for Thursday, July 16 from 7pm to 9pm. Workshop students have until the end of our April classes to submit their completed shorts. The first place winner will receive a copy of Animation-ish, a program from the ToonBoom company. There will be many other prizes and gifts for festival participants.

—

An Award for Fresh Toones

Dave Puls’ latest short, “Thanks to the Whistleblowers” won 2nd Place in the music video category for the MY HERO SHORT FILM FESTIVAL in Laguna, California.

Congratulations, Dave!

To see the video online, CLICK HERE

For more about Fresh Toones, visit http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

—

123’s Gets a Grammy Nomination

They Might Be Giants’ “Here Come the 123s” is up for a GRAMMY as Best Children’s Album for 2008!

What does this have to do with Animatus? We had the pleasure of editing a music video for the song “The Number 2.” Director David Cowles and cinematographer Timothy Brown shot the live action puppets, and then David Puls edited the piece at Animatus.

Since then, the album has set the world on fire. Many of the videos can be seen by subscribing to the TMBG Friday Night Video Podcast, or you can see “The Number Two” right here:

Watch “The Number Two.”

Here is the text from the November 20 article in the Irondequoit Post.

At the Los Angeles premiere of “Bolt” earlier this month, local native Brian Menz had an up close and personal encounter with the lead character, a dog who plays a superhero but thinks he’s the real thing. “Bolt” in the film has the voice of actor John Travolta.

Bishop Kearney High School grad has a hand in new Disney film
By Linda Quinlan, staff writer
Irondequoit Post
Posted Nov 20, 2008 @ 08:29 AM

Irondequoit, N.Y. -
He’s already seen the film twice and expects that when he visits family in Rochester and Irondequoit, he’ll be seeing it again.

Brian Menz doesn’t seem to mind.

A lifelong dream came true six months ago when he got an e-mail from Walt Disney Animation Studios, asking him to be one of the animators on its upcoming movie, “Bolt,” which opens here and across the nation this Friday.

The normal production time for an animated movie is 18 months, Menz said, explaining that when the story was rewritten, directors were replaced and characters changed, the company decided to bring in more animators to keep it on schedule.

That’s where he came in.

He became one of 60 animators for the feature-length film and has been in Los Angeles the last six months, working at Disney’s studios.

“Disney was always my dream,” Menz said early this week by phone from Portland, Ore. “Just working in the building … there’s so much history; and, I got to meet and even have lunch with a lot of the guys I’ve idolized over the years.”

Brian’s mother – Elsie Menz, of the Culver-Empire area of Rochester, near Irondequoit – said her son has always been fascinated “with animation and the magic of making characters move.”

Brian recalls that when he and his twin brother, Carl, were in seventh grade, they used the family’s video camera to make their own “stick figure” animation.

While playing soccer, lacrosse and running track at Bishop Kearney High School, Menz also took two years of art classes and won awards at graduation for his work. He is a 1997 Kearney graduate.

He sought out a college where he could pursue animation arts and found it at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. There, he was mentored by Disney animator Mike Genz – who was hired to teach at Edinboro – and was awarded “Outstanding Graduating Senior in the Area of Cinema” in 2001.

During high school and two summers during his college years, Menz did internships at Rochester’s own Animatus Studio and worked on a couple of their animated productions, using traditional hand drawings to create the movement.

Next, he followed some Edinboro friends to the Dallas, Texas area and ventured into the area of computer-generated imaging.

His first big break came when he worked for DNA Productions, first on the “Jimmy Neutron Show” then the feature production “Ant Bully,” released in 2006.

That same year he moved to Portland, where he has spent time working with the animation studio Laika on the movie “Coraline,” which will be released in 2009. That film is a stop-motion production where the scene is manipulated for each frame.

Just back “home” from Los Angeles, Menz is now planning a move back east next week – to White Plains, Westchester County  – to work for a company called Blue Sky. He landed a staff position to work on the film “Ice Age 3.”

For “Bolt,” Menz said he worked mostly on shots of the lead character, a dog who plays a superhero in a TV show.

“But, he (Bolt) thinks he is a superhero and it’s all real,” Menz explained. “He eventually gets separated from his Hollywood set and has to find his way back to his owner.”

Along the way, Bolt – actor John Travolta provides the character’s voice – “captures” a cat to help him, Menz said with a laugh, and meets up with “a delusional hamster” who is Bolt’s biggest fan.

Menz predicted the project “will put Disney back on the map.”

“It just has that Disney warmth and a lot of heart,” Menz added. “The main gist of the story, I think, is that you don’t have to have superpowers to be a hero.”

The project was fun, “but it can get stressful, trying to get what the director wants,” Menz said. For instance, he explained, do you have Bolt pick up the cat by the scruff of his neck or pin it down with his paw?

It’s also not a quick process. Menz said he probably did no more than four or five seconds of film – each with 24 frames – a week.

“That’s why they had to bring in so many people,” he said with a laugh.

He attended the “Bolt” premiere Nov. 8 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, sitting in the balcony with most of the other 525 people who worked on the film.

While he’d attended premieres for his previous films, “Disney throws a party,” Menz said, explaining that besides the premiere, clips of how the hamster (voice) was cast – for instance – were also included.

The two times he’s seen the film so far, “usually whoever is sitting next to me asks me to elbow them when the frames I’ve worked on come on,” Menz said.

He couldn’t be more thrilled to have been part of a Disney production.

“I always just liked Disney films,” Menz said. “There’s the magic of it … and you actually care about what happens to the characters, even though they’re just drawings.”

Story-wise, probably his favorite Disney film is “Finding Nemo,” Menz said, “but I also love the ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Lion King’ and ‘Aladdin’ era.”

His next dream is to write and direct his own animated film.

“But that’s probably a few projects off before I get there,” he said.

By the numbers

4 Or maybe 5 … the number of seconds of animated film Bishop Kearney grad Brian Menz completed each week while working on the new Disney film, “Bolt.”
21 The day this month – it’s Friday! – that “Bolt” has its nationwide release.
24 The number of frames in a second of the animated film.
30 The age of Brian Menz, who was an animator on “Bolt.”
60 The number of animators who worked on “Bolt.”

Bishop Kearney High School graduate Brian Menz was one of 60 animators who worked on “Bolt,” the new Disney film opening this weekend. The story includes Bolt, a dog, a cat and a hamster Menz describes as “delusional.”

Now Mike has consolidated many pages into a dynamic structure that utilizes the latest in blogification technology! What does that mean? I don’t know, it sounds made up…. but it looks cool!

The main pages of the site have a shiny new design. Now it’s easier to access the latest news, sign up for our newsletter, and search the site for specific content. (You may notice some sections of the site retain their old look, but they may change in the future.)

So take a moment and browse the site. And if you see any typos or glaring problems, let us know! Since it’s “dynamic,” it should be easy for Mike to fix, right?

http://animatusstudio.com

We at Animatus are particularly proud of our recent collaboration with HomeFireDrill.org. “Help Mikey Make It Out” is an interactive cartoon designed to teach young children about what to do when the smoke alarm goes off.

We worked with illustrator Jennifer Glanton, who had designed the characters for the book, “Mikey Makes a Mess.” Our animator, Mike Boas, took the designs and new backgrounds into Flash to color and animate. The result is a unique choose-your-own-adventure style experience.

Visit this site with your family!

http://homefiredrill.org/HelpMikeyMakeItOut.htm

November Animation Workshops

SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

November is quickly approaching and we have limited spaces available! There’s just a few spots left in either morning or afternoon sessions, so sign up today.

Fall 2008
Saturdays
November 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Call (585) 232-3949

Or register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Coming in 2009:
The Animation Workshop Film Festival

Animatus will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2009, and we want to showcase the work of our Animation Workshop students! Now’s the time to work on your own independent cartoon to be included in the Animation Workshop Film Festival.

Each student will be eligible to win prizes, and entry is free for all Animation Workshop students. Selected animators will see their work included on an Animation Workshop DVD compilation, which they will also receive for free.

Come to the November workshops to get started on your entry. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!

This Monday’s screening features work by Animatus creative director Dave Puls, plus a documentary short by Animation Workshop student Adrian Esposito.

TORN ASUNDER
Directed by Bob Barancik , Animation by Dave Puls
This experimental video creatively explores the increasingly frayed American national
psyche.

AGING TREES OF KNOWLEDGE: RESISTANCE FIGHTER
One part in a 5-chapter series documenting the lives of World War II-era survivors. This chapter focuses on the Japanese invasion of China, also known as the “Forgotten Holocaust,” and the heroism of people like Dr. I-Cheng Chang.

The Little has been nice enough to provide some tickets to our friends and family! So be one of the first ten people to mention Dave’s name (or Adrian’s) and get in free.

EMERGING FILMMAKERS
The Little Theatre
240 East Avenue, Rochester
Monday, September 29, 2008
9:15 PM

~~~

November Animation Workshops
SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begins Saturday, November 1st.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Fall 2008

Saturdays

November 1, 8, 15, 22

$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops
Or call (585) 232-3949

~~~~

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

To view the animation in glorious internet video, visit
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html
Look for the purple box and hit the play button!

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus
beginning Monday, September 15. We’re open Monday – Friday, 10:00 -
5:30.

* * *

SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begina Saturday, November 1st.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Fall 2008
Saturdays
November 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be
showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an
additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops
Or call (585) 232-3949

Monday, September 8, 2008, 7:30 PM

SMOKING LAWS

The comedy feature Film from Rochester director MATTHEW EHLERS, with a performance by FRED ARMSTRONG as “HOMELESS FREDDY.” See the trailer at smokinglawsmovie.com

Also playing: Animation from Animatus Studio! Including the WORLD PREMIERE of “Sirens,” also “Clicker Clatter” and “The Other Gods.”

Abilene Bar & Lounge
153 Liberty Pole Way
(Across from the Harro East)

$5.00 in advance
$7.00 at the door

Print out the Flyer! It has pretty pictures!

(Note: Feature and shorts contain some content not suitable for children.)

Time is running out to sign up for our August workshops!

Fish for New Ideas!
Hike The Hills of Animation!
Challenge the Wild Waters of Creativity!
Experience Glorious Air Conditioning!

Are you interested in drawing? Do you want to see your characters come to life? Have you ever wondered what goes into shooting an animated movie? You just might be right for our Animation Workshops.

This is also a great opportunity for our more experienced Studio Production students. Longer days means more time to devote to your epic cartoons!

Choose either Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, lasting from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day.

Summer Animation Workshops
$88 per day
(20% discount for all four)

Wednesdays
August 6, 13, 20, 27
OR
Thursdays
August 7, 14, 21, 28

Space is limited! What are you waiting for?

Register online at http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

ROCHESTER HIGH FALLS INT’L FILM FEST WRAP-UP

Animatus Studio and the RHFIFF were pleased to welcome animation guest Linda Simensky for a seminar about children’s television programming. Linda was a delight to have at the festival, and offered a fascinating look into the workings of innovative entertainment.

Animatus was also pleased to sponsor the screening of Sita Sings the Blues, which was received extremely well. Director Nina Paley unfortunately had the flu and was not able to attend, but we had a great Q & A with musician Todd Michaelsen and voice talent Reena Shah.

Dave Puls, Linda Simensky, Fred Armstrong, & Mike Boas

For more pics from the fest, visit http://rochestersmoviefest.com

***

HIGH FALLS WORKSHOP VIDS NOW ONLINE

For the last several years, Animatus has worked with the High Falls Film Festival to produce inspirational cartoons with Rochester students.

Now you can watch them all online at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html#highfalls

***

FRESH VENUES FOR FRESH TOONES

Dave Puls’ Hate Preachers has two more festival screenings this fall. This animated short takes a look at hate preachers’ destructive rhetoric and encourages all of us to speak out to offset their fabrications.

Fresno Reel Pride, Sept 17-21
http://www.reelpride.com

Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Oct 2-12.
http://www.pridefilmfest.com

In other Fresh Toones news, Hate Preachers and Things were recently featured on Tennessee Reid Norton’s Confessions of an Animated Mind Blog. Check it out here:
http://www.ananimatedmind.blogspot.com

More about Fresh Toones here:
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Reporter Jane Flasch spoke with Adrian as part of a series of stories on Autism. Adrian is open about discussing his Asperger Syndrome and how it affects his filmmaking interests. As his instructors at the Animation Workshop for the last several years, it’s rewarding to see how Adrian has grown.

Watch the video and you’ll see the last document of Mike’s wild hairstyle before his summer cut!

See some of Adrian’s work on Youtube HERE

We’ve got happy barnyard animals, disco dancing, and undersea fun. Not to mention a baby who refuses to eat, some extreme animation acting, and the continuing adventures of Aaron’s dragons and David’s Dustbusters.

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus beginning Wednesday, May 14th. We’re open Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 5:30.

Animatus is proud to announce our involvement in this year’s festival. Come out and meet the filmmakers! Pass this email on to someone you know and love!

Print out the Animatus mini-poster here:
http://animatusstudio.com/highfalls/images/animatus-rhfiff-poster.pdf

Click here for ticket information:
http://animatusstudio.com/highfalls/ticketinfo.html

–

SITA SINGS THE BLUES
An animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920’s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw. This feature film was directed, written, produced, designed AND animated (whew!) entirely by Nina Paley.

Opening Night! Wednesday April 30th – 6:55 PM at The Little 5

–

SOLDIERS OF SISYPHUS (East Coast Premiere)
Director/Producer: Bob Barancik; Animator: David Puls
A meditative look at the futility of war. This short film animated by Animatus’ own Dave Puls will play as part of the second Movies On a Shoestring block.

Thursday May 1st – 8:30 PM at The Little 5

–

FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THE WOMEN WHO FOSTERED AN AMERICAN HERO

Change in Schedule!

We’re happy to announce that “Frederick Douglass” will be showing ahead of PHOEBE IN WONDERLAND (starring Bill Pullman) instead of with the children’s shorts program as originally planned. This is sure to be a great event, with Bill Pullman in attendance. Get your tickets ASAP!

“Frederick Douglass” is a biographical animated short, produced at Animatus’ Animation Workshop by Rochester teens from Community Place.

Friday May 2nd – 7:15 PM at the Dryden Theatre

–

LINDA SIMENSKY: PRODUCING TOONS AND INNOVATIONS IN KIDS’ TV
Our animation guest this year is LINDA SIMENSKY, Senior Director of Children’s Programming for PBS. In her work at Cartoon Network, Simensky was instrumental in bringing many beloved shows to air, including The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. She is now involved with numerous PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! programs such as Curious George, Super Why, Martha Speaks, Sid the Science Kid, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, and WordGirl. Simensky will join us for a seminar about animation and what it takes to produce quality children’s programming, with clips from some new shows in production.

Saturday May 3rd – 1:00 PM at The Little 3

–

SMOKING LAWS
with preceding animated short KEEP ON WALKIN’
Smoking Laws explores a night in the life of a smoke-free bar during the coldest night of year. It offers a voyeuristic look at the random strangers brought together by addiction. It’s smoking good fun! Directed by friend of Animatus, Matthew Ehlers, with a role by Fred Armstrong as a cantankerous panhandler (what a stretch). Adult Themes.

Keep on Walkin’ is a music video produced by Phil Geiger of rock group SpiritEast, design, animation and production by Animatus Studio.

Sunday May 4th – 7:00PM at The Little 1

SPRING ANIMATION WORKSHOP VIDEO NOW ONLINE

We’ve got morphing, stop motion, scary spiders, and Neanderthal rabbits!

Access the snazzy Youtube videos below:

SPRING 2008 WORKSHOPS PART 1
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJtHKtmfuLc&hl=en]

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus beginning Friday, April 4. We’re open weekdays 10:00 – 5:30, and Saturdays (during April workshops) 9:00 – 4:00.

***

LAST CHANCE FOR SPRING II ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begins this Saturday, April 5th.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Spring II 2008
Saturdays
April 5, 12, 19, 26
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation
will be showcased on the Animatus website. DVDs are available
for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Call (585) 232-3949 to check availability of morning or afternoon slots.

***

ROCHESTER HIGH FALLS INT’L FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Animatus is proud to announce our involvement in several aspects of this year’s fest.

LINDA SIMENSKY: PRODUCING TOONS AND INNOVATIONS IN KIDS’ TV

Our animation guest this year is LINDA SIMENSKY, Senior Director of Children’s Programming for PBS. In her work at Cartoon Network, Simensky was instrumental in bringing many beloved shows to air, including The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. She is now involved with numerous PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! programs such as Curious George, Super Why, Martha Speaks, Sid the Science Kid, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, WordGirl and The Electric Company. Simensky will join us for a seminar about animation and what it takes to produce quality children’s programming, with clips from some new shows in production.

–

SITA SINGS THE BLUES

Director Nina Paley will present her animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920’s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw. This feature film was directed, written, produced, designed AND animated (whew!) entirely by Paley.

–

SOLDIERS OF SISYPHUS (East Coast Premiere)
Director/Producer: Bob Barancik; Animator: David Puls

A meditative look at the futility of war. This short film animated by Animatus’ own Dave Puls will play as part of the second Movies On a Shoestring block.

–

SMOKING LAWS
with preceding animated short KEEP ON WALKIN’

Smoking Laws explores a night in the life of a smoke-free bar during the coldest night of year. It offers a voyeuristic look at the random strangers brought together by addiction. It’s smoking good fun! Directed by friend of Animatus, Matthew Ehlers, with an appearance by Fred Armstrong as a cantankerous panhandler. (Adult themes.)

Keep on Walkin’ is a music video produced by Phil Geiger of rock group SpiritEast, animated by Animatus Studio.

–

CHILDREN’S SHORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

This year, The Animation Workshop worked with Rochester teens from Community Place to produce FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THE WOMEN WHO FOSTERED AN AMERICAN HERO. The short will play as part of the children’s shorts program.

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus beginning Friday, February 15. We’re open Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 5:30.

—

SIGN UP FOR SPRING ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session is just weeks away, beginning Saturday, March 1st.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Spring 2008
Saturdays
March 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation
will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available
for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

—

Note: Returning students who were eligible for the holiday gift of a 10% discount have until February 22nd, 2008 to register for the Spring I workshops.This will be your last opportunity to use this discount.

***

ROCHESTER SCREENING of “GEORGIE”

Dave Puls’ presidential sing-a-long “When Georgie Goes Marching Home” will screen TONIGHT as part of the Emerging Filmmakers series at the Little Theatre.

Close, personal friends of Dave get in free! That’s right, tell them you’re on “Dave’s list” and the first ten people will get complimentary passes to the show.

“When Georgie Goes Marching Home” takes the viewer on a surreal tour of the Bush administration and its many misadventures. Like a ride through a fun house, we are taken into the bizarro world of GW. A surprise ending makes this sometimes uneasy jaunt worth the ride.

EMERGING FILMMAKERS SERIES AT THE LITTLE THEATRE
240 East Avenue Rochester, NY
Monday, January 28, 2008, 9:15pm

Disclaimer: This screening of shorts will include scenes of nudity and violence.

***

SIGN UP FOR SPRING ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session is just a month away, beginning Saturday, March 1st. How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Spring 2008
Saturdays
March 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Or call (585) 232-3949

The idea behind “Rochester’s Movie Fest” is to provide a mini-site where visitors can buy tickets in advance online. There’s also a snappy promotional video to show how great the fest has been in past years.

The Rochester High Falls International Film Festival will run April 30 – May 5, 2008. It is the first year for the merged festival, which was formerly the High Falls Film Festival and the Rochester International Film Festival.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Animatus Studio!

As a special expression of our appreciation we would like to give all of our previous students a 10% discount ($16) to use towards the January workshops. (Returning students who have already paid for the January session can apply the 10% discount towards the March workshops.)

Thanks again to all of our students who have helped to make The Animation Workshop a fun place to learn.

Winter 2008
Saturdays
January 5, 12, 19, 26
With the discount: $143 (regularly $159)

What a great way to start the new year! Experience the joys of animation in a professional animation studio. Gift certificates are available — makes a great holiday gift!

Because we don’t want to rewrite the code for the entire website, this offer is only available through check and cash sign-ups.

Print out a registration form today at http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops/register.html

Confused? Call 585-232-3949

***

CARTOONS FOR THE POLITICALLY FRUSTRATED

Come out to see cartoons and artwork from Dave Puls this Friday! Dave will share his creative process at the ANTI-WAR CRISIS CENTER on Monroe Avenue. While you’re there, pick up his latest Fresh Toones compilation, I’M THE DECIDER.

SHOW INFO:
Friday, December 14th 5pm-9pm.
Anti-War Crisis Center
658 Monroe Avenue
(near Oxford Street)

what’s on the I’M THE DECIDER collection? The latest political Fresh Toones, including “When Georgie Goes Marching Home,” “Sharks in the Water,” “Hate Preachers,” “Parallel Worlds,” and “True Believers.” Plus, a bonus collaboration with artist Bob Barancik entitled “Soldiers of Sisyphus.”

Read more about Fresh Toones at
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

***

A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

If you’ve been watching Oprah, Good Morning America, and R-News lately, you may have seen the ads for Rochester boutique, “A Different Point of View.” This store on Monroe Avenue is unlike any other, so we at Animatus created the “shopping fairy” to help demonstrate that fact.

Watch the animated commercial online at http://animatusstudio.com/cartoons/adpov.html

***

NEW ANIMATUS VIDEOS ONLINE

Visitors to the Animatus website can now see a fine selection of cartoons and samples in our new video player!

Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/cartoons to see our recent work, including the Jack Garner Roast and the ad for A Different Point of View.

***

A MESSAGE FROM SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Animatus Studio recently produced “intro” and “outro” animation for a series of online video messages from the North Pole.

That’s right, the people at Yoorit.com can arrange for Santa himself to record personal holiday greetings for your son or daughter.

Visit http://www.yoorit.com to find out more and see a sample video.

***

D’OH! HOMER COMES HOME DECEMBER 18

If you missed THE SIMPSONS MOVIE in the theater, don’t fret — it’s coming to DVD and Blu-Ray! That’s right, you can get the Simpsons’ big screen adventure for your small screen this coming Tuesday the 18th.

We at Animatus are perfectly happy to sell out and promote this movie for a few crumbs of promotional material from Fox. It’s just that good!

The Simpsons Movie finds the fate of Springfield — the suburban setting that has been home to “The Simpsons” clan for more than 18 years — hanging in the balance when Homer and his new pet pig inadvertently cause a major ecological disaster in their hometown. Forced to flee, it is up to the paunchy patriarch to save his family, the Springfield community and possibly… the world.

The Simpsons Movie DVD is loaded with bonus features including commentaries with “Simpsons” writers/producers, actors and directors, numerous deleted scenes and promotional spots including The Simpsons Judge American Idol and Homer’s Monologue On The Tonight Show. The Simpsons Movie single disc DVD will be available at a suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S.

***

ANIMATUS GOES ON HOLIDAY

Please note that we at Animatus will be out of the office between December 22nd and January 1st. We’ll be back to the grindstone January 2nd.

***

THE JACK GARNER ROAST

This last Saturday night, we at Animatus attended the roast of Gannett film critic Jack Garner, put on by the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival. To help celebrate Jack’s retirement, we put together a cartoon short entitled “Dr. Jackyl and Mr. Hyde.” Happy retirement, Jack!

Watch the video here:
http://animatusstudio.com/cartoons/jack.html

***

HOLIDAY DVD DUPLICATION

Time is running out to transfer your home movies for this holiday season! Do you have 8mm, Super 8, or 16mm films you’d like to see transfered to DVD? Or perhaps some VHS tapes you can’t watch now that you’ve thrown away your VCR? Let Animatus put those precious memories to DVD.

DEADLINE FOR FILM TRANSFERS: December 3, 2007

DEADLINE FOR TAPE TRANSFERS: December 17, 2007

See pricing info at http://animatusstudio.com/videoproduction/transfer.html

***

ANIMATION WORKSHOPS JANUARY 2008

What a great way to start the new year! Experience the joys of animation in a professional animation studio.

If you or someone you love has a burning desire to make drawings come to life, sign up today at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Gift certificates are available — makes a great holiday gift!

Winter 2008
Saturdays
January 5, 12, 19, 26
$159

***

FUTURAMA RETURNS!

Why is this coming Tuesday, November 27th, so special? An all new Futurama movie is coming to DVD!

Last week, our close personal friend Matt Groening called and BEGGED us to help spread the word about BENDER’S BIG SCORE. Fortunately, we knew that readers of the Animatus Newsletter would appreciate learning more about the continuing adventures of Fry, Leela, Professor Farnsworth, and Bender.

And now, the gripping synopsis…

Fox Home Entertainment presents the first new “Futurama” programming since 2003. Futurama: Bender’s Big Score features out-of-this-world hilarity on DVD November 27 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

As Xmas 3007 approaches, the “Futurama” crew must fight to save Earth in an epic battle against nudist alien Internet scammers. When the evil naked aliens launch a cyber-attack on Planet Express, they make a shocking discovery: the secret of time travel, mysteriously tattooed on Fry’s buttocks. Using their devious nudist software to control Bender, they repeatedly send the beer-fueled robot back in time to loot Earth of its greatest treasures. Bender’s rampage through history has shocking repercussions when he encounters
Al Gore (guest-starring as himself) during the 2000 Presidential recount. Meanwhile, Leela finds true love, a beloved crew member suffers an embarrassing decapitation, and Fry learns deep secrets about his destiny and his buttocks.

This is the first of three Futurama DVDs to be released in the next year. More info coming soon!

***

SOME RECENT ANIMATUS JOBS

Here are two clients whose projects deserve mention.

Rochester’s SISTERS OF MERCY convent is the subject of a new video short, which pays tribute to 150 years of service to the community. The 26 minute video, edited at Animatus, contains historical photos, archival films, and new interviews.

WINGMAN LURES is a company with a revolutionary new fishing lure. The challenge put to Animatus was to demonstrate that lure’s movement in Flash animation. Check out http://wingmanlures.com to see the results!

Want more? Click through the Flash playlist at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

For those who ordered DVD’s, they’re available for pick-up weekdays starting
Tuesday, November 13th. Stop by between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.

The Fall Animation Workshops begin Saturday, October 6. How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

FALL 2007
Saturdays
October 6, 13, 20, 27
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Visit http://animatusstudio.com/workshops to register online or call (585) 232-3949.

***

FREDERICK DOUGLASS STUDENT CARTOON SCREENING

We’re proud to announce that a recent Animation Workshop short film, “Frederick Douglass and the Women Who Fostered an American Hero,” will be screening at this weekend’s Underground Railroad Conference.

Rochester’s Riverside Convention Center is hosting the Frederick Douglass International Underground Railroad Conference and Freedom Festival, and the animated short will play Friday the 28th at 3 PM.

The short film was produced by Rochester teens through The Animation Workshop, in conjunction with the High Falls Film Festival and The Community Place of Greater Rochester, Inc.

***

A MESSAGE FROM SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Animatus Studio recently produced “intro” and “outro” animation for a series of online video messages from the North Pole.

That’s right, the people at Yoorit.com can arrange for Santa himself to record personal holiday greetings for your son or daughter.

Visit http://www.yoorit.com to find out more and see a sample video.

***

FRESH TOONES NOW ON YOUTUBE

Dave Puls has joined the YouTube revolution and uploaded his personal films to everyone’s favorite website.

See everything from Sal Monella’s Deli to the most recent animated adventures of George W. Bush! Remember, high quality versions of most of these cartoons are available on the IT CAME FROM ANIMATUS DVD.

Visit http://youtube.com/davesfreshtoones

***

ANIMATION SCREENINGS

We’ve got several Animatus related cartoons screening at film festivals around the country. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

“Clicker Clatter”
Directed by Benjamin Radford
Animation by Animatus Studio
California International Animation Festival
Riverbank , CA
October 2, 2007
NOMINATED FOR BEST 2D ANIMATION!
http://www.calanifest.com

“Clicker Clatter”
Directed by Benjamin Radford
Animation by Animatus Studio
B-Movie Film Festival
Syracuse, NY
October 27, 2007
NOMINATED FOR BEST SHORT!
http://www.bmoviefest.com/home

“When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home”
Directed by Dave Puls
Tacoma Film Festival
October 4-11, 2007
http://www.tacomafilmfestival.com

“When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home”
Directed by Dave Puls
Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF)
Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday, October 13, 2007
http://www.umff.com

“H.P. Lovecraft’s The Other Gods”
Produced by Michael Boas
Eerie Horror Film Festival
Erie, Pennsylvania
October 11th, 2007
http://www.eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com

Also, a short introductory video by Mike Boas will be playing at this year’s HPLFF screenings, October 5-7, 2007. See it online at http://youtube.com/watch?v=zG_R-qfGG4U

The AWN Media Center is a new, comprehensive online video portal devoted exclusively to animation and showcasing the work of independent filmmakers from all over the world . When “The Other Gods” was submitted, the powers that be decided it would be a good match for the “That’s Demented” channel. Who are we to argue?

To see a selection of “freaky, fun, and frightening flicks,” visit http://media.awn.com/popup/thats-demented

But wait, there’s more! The Rochester Insider just did a profile of Mike for the August 31 issue. No, his head isn’t that big in real life.

Click here read the whole article.

Just in time for Labor Day, the Summer Animation Workshop videos are now online. Sit back, relax, and watch cartoons on your day off!

There was so much content this time, that we’ve broken it up into four parts. Part 1 is mostly our basic and intermediate students. Parts 2 and 3 contain studio production projects. The last part is a stand-alone episode of “Super Maintenance Man” by Greg Masceri.

Click through the Flash playlist at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

For those who ordered DVD’s, they’re available for pick-up starting Tuesday, September 4th. We’re open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

August workshops begin next week! Both Wednesday and Thursday sessions still have a few slots open, so now’s the time to act. Payment secures your spot in this unique workshop.

NOW AIR-CONDITIONED!

WHEN: Choose either Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, lasting from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day. See our Schedule for exact dates: http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

PRICE: $88.00 per single session. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

We try to accommodate vacation schedules by pricing each week individually. These classes go all day, with a break for lunch.

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10. Summer students should be sure to pack a lunch.

Sign up online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

SPECIAL EVENT: DAVE’S GARAGE SALE

Dave Puls is cleaning out the house! He has hundreds of BOOKS, COMPUTER GAMES, VIDEOS, LP’S, FURNITURE, and more.

Dates: July 28 – 29
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Address: 271 Westfield Street (between Brooks and Chili) Rochester, NY

***

ANIMATUS IN NEON

We have a bright new sign for our newly painted orange building on Winthrop Street. Now no one will say “Where are you located again?” Visitors will be able to find us, day or night!

See some pics at http://animatusstudio.com/news

Many thanks to Brent Gillette of Bristol Signs and Neon, Naples, New York.

More snaps of the Animatus sign, courtesy of Brent Gillette of Bristol Signs and Neon, Naples, New York

Animatus Studio will soon have a fancy neon sign! Here’s the first two letters, anyway. Photo courtesy of Brent Gillette of Bristol Signs and Neon, Naples, New York.

EMERGING FILMMAKERS MONDAY NIGHT!

Got no plans for Memorial Day evening? Come out to the Little Theatre for the latest installment of the Emerging Filmmakers Series.

This month’s show includes a Fresh Toone from Animatus creative director Dave Puls called “Hate Preachers.” This musical short takes a look at the destructive rhetoric of hate preachers.

Little Theatre
240 East Avenue Rochester
9:15 PM
Monday, May 28

For more about Emerging Filmmmakers, visit
http://www.little-theatre.com/emergingFilmmakers.php

More about Fresh Toones at
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

***

FESTIVAL NEWS ROUND-UP

What else is new with Dave’s Fresh Toones? His short, “When Georgie Goes Marching Home” was recently shown at SURGE: the International, Social Uprising, Resistance and Grassroots Encouragement Film Festival. Visit their website at http://www.WeSurge.org

“Georgie” was also featured at the Rochester International Film Festival. Dave received a trophy for his efforts and introduced the theater crowd to his mother, who played a role in the film. She was a great sport, considering her animated likeness is tied up by President Bush and forced to eat dog food! We think she’s forgiven Dave by now…

Another film fest nod went to Mike Boas, whose short “The Other Gods” received a certificate of merit from the Rochester International Film Festival.

***

SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER WORKSHOPS

The summer is upon us, and before you know it, August will be here. Will you be ready for animation? Registrations for our SUMMER ANIMATION CAMP are coming in, so don’t delay. Payment secures your spot in this unique workshop, so if you plan to attend, now’s the time to speak up!

Register online for Wednesdays or Thursdays at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

ANIMATUS PROJECTS REPORT

In addition to our standard animation workshops, we’ve also been doing a specialty project with a group of city teenagers. The animated historical drama tells about key points in the life of Rochester’s own FREDERICK DOUGLASS. The short film is being created for the Underground Railroad Conference in September, but may have some other screenings as well. We’ll make more announcements if that is the case.

We also had the pleasure of editing a music video for the popular band, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS. They’re doing another album of music for kids called “Here come the 1 2 3’s” and the song we worked with was “The Number 2.” Nationally renowned caricature artist David Cowles acted as director on the video, which was a live action piece featuring puppets. The lively song was stuck in our heads for days (weeks?) and Dave Puls did a great job of editing the wonderful footage captured by cinematographer Timothy Brown.

***

SPRING II WORKSHOP REEL NOW ONLINE

Visit the Animatus website to see the latest cartoons from the students of the Animation Workshop.

See our beginner students take on morphing, clay, and cut-out animation! See run cycles and horrible encounters with nasty spiders! See the latest installments of Edmund the Stuntman, A Night on Digi-Mountain, Super Maintenance Man, and Attack of the Killer Dust Bunnies!

Visit the student work page and click on SPRING II 2007

http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

For those who ordered a DVD of student work, those discs are ready for pick-up.

***

3D WORKSHOP: INTRO TO LIGHTWAVE

Learn the basics of 3D animation! This four week course will include many guided tutorials and plenty of hands-on creative time. Students will explore the very basics in this beginner level course using the Lightwave 3D Discovery Edition animation program. Lightwave 3D is one of the more commonly used 3D animation packages used in television and the movies today.

$189
Saturdays in July, 9AM – 12noon
July 7, 14, 21, and 28

Recommended ages: 12 to adult

Register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/registerfront.html

***

CLASSIC CARTOONS ON THE BIG SCREEN

When was the last time you saw 35mm prints of Bugs Bunny and pals projected in an actual movie theater? Most kids only know these cartoons from TV, but they take on a whole new life when projected on the big screen.

Don’t miss “WACKY WESTERNS FROM TERMITE TERRACE” this Tuesday at the Eastman House’s Dryden Theatre.

This hilarious collection of Western send-ups from the golden age of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies features splendid work from the acclaimed auteurs of “Termite Terrace.” EGGHEAD RIDES AGAIN (Tex Avery, 1937, 35mm); SCALP TROUBLE (Bob Clampett, 1939, 35mm nitrate print); THE LONE STRANGER AND PORKY (Bob Clampett, 1939, 35mm nitrate print); DRIP-ALONG DAFFY (Chuck Jones, 1951, 35mm); BUGS BUNNY RIDES AGAIN (Friz Freleng, 1948, 35mm); PUNY EXPRESS (Walter Lantz/Dick Lundy, 1951, 35mm) plus two of Tex Avery’s best from his years at MGM: DEPUTY DROOPY (1955, 35mm) and THE FIRST BAD MAN (1955, 35mm). Ticket price includes admission to 8:00 pm showing of Wichita.

May 08, 7:00 pm
The Dryden Theatre
900 East Avenue
Rochester NY, 14607

***

REMINDER: “GEORGIE” PLAYS TONIGHT AT THE EASTMAN HOUSE

The Rochester International Film Festival kicks off tonight, featuring the Telly-award winning “When Georgie Goes Marching Home.” This will be the Rochester premiere for Dave Puls’ short film, which takes a certain government leader to task.

Thursday, May 3rd at 8:00 PM.
Dryden Theater at the Eastman House
Admission is Free! Donations accepted.
Presented by Movies on a Shoestring.

For more information:

http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org

http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

***

A WEST COAST SCREENING FOR “HOW TO BE A ZOMBIE”

Long time Animation Workshop student David Zipeto has not only completed his zombie epic, he has a screening at the ZOMPIRE FILM FESTIVAL held in Portand, Oregon. The festival is dedicated to films about zombies and vampires, so David’s instructional cartoon should impress the horror movie crowd. Congratulations, David!

To view the cartoon online, click the “How to be a Zombie” link at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

Find out more about the festival at
http://zompire.com

***

NEW WEBSITES DESIGNED BY ANIMATUS

Animatus can spice up your existing site or build one from scratch. Take a look at some recent sites we’ve worked on:

Powerhouse 27
http://powerhouse27.com
The new soundstage in Rochester offers 2000 square feet for commercial shoots. Browse through the website to see a selection of photos taken in this exciting new space.

Mammoth Production Packages
http://mammothpro.com
Greg Goodhew’s Mammoth Production Packages provides equipment rentals for commercials, documentaries, TV shows, and feature films. The new website gives a run-down of equipment rental options for film and video production companies in the Rochester area.

Tuthill Lighting
http://tuthilllighting.com
The people at Tuthill Lighting wanted to add some personality to their site with a “knight-lite” mascot. The lightning bug character is shown turning on lights when visitors first enter the site. Flash animation and character design by Animatus Studio.

See more Animatus website designs at
http://animatusstudio.com/websites

—

LITTLE BUDDIES AT THE LITTLE

Get the kids to the Little Theatre on Satuday morning, April 28, for a special screening of ANIMATED SHORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Our own fearless leader, Fred Armstrong, will lead a flipbook project for all cartoon fans in attendance.

Presented by Preferred Care, Gusto, Warm 101.3, Parent Magazine, and The Animation Workshop.

LITTLE BUDDIES
Family movie series at The Little
Saturday, April 28, 10 AM
Tickets $5
Little Theatre, 240 East Ave, Rochester

http://thelittle.org

—

NEW YORK ARCHIVES: THE END OF THE LINE

The Spring 2007 issue of NEW YORK ARCHIVES magazine features an article by Jim Harte regarding Rochester’s subway and the creation of the documentary.

As co-director of The End of the Line, Jim was able to convey the history and his own feelings about the Rochester’s experiment in mass transit.

Read the article on our blog at
http://animatusnews.blogspot.com/2007/04/new-york-archives.html

Purchase THE END OF THE LINE on DVD at
http://animatusstudio.com/subway

—

NEW WEBSITES DESIGNED BY ANIMATUS

We’ve recently completed work on several websites. Take a look at what they have to offer:

Harptallica
http://harptallica.com
What do you get when you cross Metallica songs with classical harp playing? Harptallica! Visit the website to see photos of this Louisiana-based duo, hear samples of their music, and buy their new CD.

Gribbins Films
http://gribbinsfilms.com
Gribbins Films is the only full-service grip/electric equipment company in Buffalo, NY. The new website lists equipment rental options for film productions, as well as showcasing the work of director/director of photography James P. Gribbins.

Powerhouse 27
http://powerhouse27.com
The new soundstage in Rochester offers 2000 square feet for commercial shoots. Browse through the website to see a selection of photos taken in this exciting new space.

See more Animatus website designs at
http://animatusstudio.com/websites

—

“GEORGIE” TO PLAY ROCHESTER INT’L FILM FEST

Mark your calendars for the Rochester premiere of the Telly-award winning “When Georgie Goes Marching Home.” Dave Puls’ short film, which takes a certain government leader to task, will play in this year’s Rochester International Film Festival on Thursday, May 3rd at 8:00 PM. Presented by Movies on a Shoestring.

http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org/

http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Here’s the latest news from Animatus Studio in Rochester, NY.

—

SPRING ANIMATION WORKSHOP VIDEOS

The results of our March workshops are now online. See Flappy go hunting, Edmund the Stuntman in color, and the completed How to be a Zombie!

Check it out at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

or at http://www.youtube.com/animationworkshop

—

SIGN UP FOR THE APRIL WORKSHOPS

The “Spring II” animation workshops begin Saturday, April 7. How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Spring II 2007
Saturdays
April 7, 14, 21, & 28
$159

We still have some room in the afternoon, so secure your spot today!

Coming up in May, we’re offering specialty classes in Lightwave 3D and Macromedia Flash. These are smaller classes, so they may sell out.

Visit http://animatusstudio.com/workshops to register online or call (585) 232-3949.

—

A TELLY FOR GEORGIE

Dave Puls’ latest cartoon, “When Georgie Goes Marching Home,” has won a bronze Telly! This prestigious award honors outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions.

Congratulations, Dave!

“Georgie” takes a humorous look at what’s REALLY going on with the Bush administration, set to the crowd-pleasing melody of “When Johhny Comes Marching Home.”

More about Fresh Toones at:
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

—

THE OTHER GODS PLAYS SYDNEY AND PROVIDENCE

“H.P. Lovecraft’s The Other Gods” continues playing to pulp horror fans around the world. Earlier this month, the silent short from Mike Boas’ Subterranea Entertainment played in two new festivals.

First was A NIGHT OF HORROR in Sydney, Australia. The event had screenings devoted to horror, animation, and adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft’s works.

Providence, Rhode Island (Lovecraft’s hometown) played host to PULP UNCOVERED, a new festival dedicated to literary and film fandom. The Other Gods screened during the “Afternoon of Lovecraft” at the Rhode Island School of Design.

For more about the short, visit
http://maddogmovies.com/theothergods

Here’s the all new extra-special Winter 2007 student reel:

http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

The video was compressed using Quicktime’s Ipod settings, and ooh-boy, does it look good! Anyone with the Flash plugin (and that’s EVERYONE) can watch the January workshop cartoons right inside the Animatus Studio website. That means animated morphs, man-eating spiders, demons & devils, a stuntman with a motivation problem, plus zombies and a melting snowman.

It’s set up as a playlist, which we’ll be adding to it over time. There are a couple stand-alone student projects that would be good to upload, maybe even the Fall 2006 class. If I feel ambitious, the High Falls shorts and our news clips can go up, too. That way, the playlist won’t seem so empty.

We’re also available at YouTube and MySpace, by the way.

http://youtube.com/user/animationworkshop

http://myspace.com/animationworkshop

FRESH TOONES

Dave Puls’ presidential sing-a-long “When GeorgieGoes Marching Home” will get screentime in our nation’s capital when it plays the DC INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, running March 1-11.

“Sal Monella’s Deli” is on the comeback trail! This audience favorite about a questionable diet plan will screen at the FAUX FILM FESTIVAL in Portland, Oregon, which runs March 29 – April 1.

Coincidentally, the Faux Film Festival takes place in the same venue where Mike Boas’ “The Other Gods” played as part of the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in October of 2006.

H.P. LOVECRAFT’S THE OTHER GODS

This silent horror short from Mike Boas, based on the pulp fiction story of the same name, played earlier this month in Houston, Texas, as part of the HORROR DANCE event.

And just this week, “The Other Gods” screened in Park City, Utah! No, not with the overrated Sundance, but as part of the truly independent TROMADANCE film festival.

Finally, for you Rochester residents, “The Other Gods” will be screening at the Little Theatre’s EMERGING FILMMAKERS series. Come out and join us Monday, February 26 at 9 PM. The Little Theatre is at 240 East Ave, Rochester, NY.

RELATED LINKS:

http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones
http://www.dciff.org
http://fauxfilmfestival.com

http://maddogmovies.com/theothergods
http://horrordance.org
http://2007.tromadance.com
http://www.little-theatre.com/emergingFilmmakers.php

***

ANIMATION WORKSHOPS JANUARY 2007

What a great way to start the new year! Experience the joys of animation in a professional animation studio.

2007 is the year of online video! After each four-week session, Animation Workshop students will be able to see their cartoons online. DVDs will also be available for an additional fee.

So if you or someone you love has a burning desire to make drawings come to life, sign up today at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Winter 2007
Saturdays
January 6, 13, 20, & 27
$159

***

CLICKER CLATTER SCREENING

After many challenging months, our work on Ben Radford’s short film, “Clicker Clatter,” was unveiled to an eager audience. This past weekend, Ben hosted a screening party in Buffalo to bring together cast, crew, and friends. A good time was had by all, with plenty of sandwiches and Pop Rocks to go around.

“Clicker Clatter” is a five minute short which satirizes our mass media culture. We plan to showcase some select clips on the Animatus website in the near future. Stay tuned!

***

FRESH TOONES HONORS AND SCREENINGS

Congratulations to Dave Puls, whose “When Georgie Goes Marching Home” was selected as a BEST OF THE FEST short at this year’s BERKELEY VIDEO & FILM FESTIVAL. Dave’s “Hate Preachers” received an Honorable Mention as well.

“Georgie” was also an entry in December’s Anchorage Film Festival.

For more about Fresh Toones, visit http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

IRONDEQUOIT LACROSSE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

We’d like to remind everyone to come out and support Howard Nielsen and
his documentary on the history of high school Lacrosse in upstate New
York. This Friday, November 24th, there will be a screening at
Irondequoit High School at 7pm.

Read all about it at http://stickylipsbbq.com

***

HIGH FALLS FILM FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS

This year’s High Falls Film Festival went extremely well. We at
Animatus took part in several events, including the festival’s
animation workshop screenings, a screening of the French noir/animation
feature Renaissance, and a retrospective for independent filmmaker
Emily Hubley. Emily was a pleasure to have at the festival, and we had
positive feedback from attendees all during the festival.

***

NEW TV AD FOR ROCHESTER’S SUBWAY

The holiday season is upon us, and now’s the time to buy The End of The
Line – Rochester’s Subway for the history buff in your family. We just
cut together a new TV ad that will be airing soon on Time Warner cable.

Catch it on our website at http://animatusstudio.com/subway

***

ANIMATION WORKSHOP STUDENT PRODUCED AD

Young DJ, one of our most enthusiastic students, put together a fun
promotional cartoon for the Animation Workshop. It shows a lot of
charm, so check it out “The Greatest Place on Earth” at:

http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html

***

FLAPPY RABBIT VS. THE TORNADO

Another of our veteran students, Adam, made a short commercial for “OZ
Saferooms,” featuring his own character Flappy Rabbit. The people at
OZ have devoted a page to the project (and online video links) at the
following address:

http://www.ozsaferooms.com/kidz%20korner.htm

***

WON’T YOU BE OUR MYSPACE FRIEND?

The Animation Workshop now has a page at MySpace. We’ll be publishing
more student videos there in the future, so come on by and add us to
your friends list.

http://www.myspace.com/animationworkshop

The documentary will have its premiere screening at Irondequoit High School on November 24th at 7pm. A donation of $5 per person will be taken at the door.

To pre-order your copy of the upcoming DVD, visit StickyLipsBBQ.com, or see some online news coverage at SportsFive.net and InsideLacrosse.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Howard Nielsen, Single Wing Productions
PHONE: 585-451-0066
EMAIL: howie(AT)animatusstudio.com
WEBSITE: www.StickyLipsBBQ.com

LACROSSE DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES AT IRONDEQUOIT HIGH SCHOOL

Rochester, NY, November 2006

Restaurant owner Howard Nielsen is back in the movie business with an all new documentary. After covering Aquinas football in his last project, Nielsen has now set his sights on another local sports phenomenon, Irondequoit High School’s legendary lacrosse program.

Two years in the making, “Irondequoit: Lacrosse Town U.S.A.” will premiere to the public on Friday, November 24th at 7:00 PM in Irondequoit High School’s 600 seat auditorium. Admission will be five dollars at the door.

Nielsen says taking on an enormous movie project just eight months after opening his second restaurant, Sticky Lips Pit BBQ, has taken a toll on him. “It was my son’s senior year at Irondequoit, and this would be my last chance to pull off a movie idea that I had been thinking about for a few years. This is my gift back to the Irondequoit community and Section V lacrosse, which has done so much for my son Danny and myself.”

Even though the main focus is on Irondequoit, it really is a story about Upstate New York and Monroe County Lacrosse. Lacrosse is North America’s oldest and fastest growing team sport.

Take a trip back in time and witness the start of high school lacrosse in upstate New York by way of Irondequoit High School’s legendary program. Witness firsthand 50 years of lacrosse history, including the fierce rivalry between coaches Erni Lisi of Irondequoit and Joe Corcoran of Corning East, whose teams dominated upstate New York in the 1970s.

Irondequoit lacrosse teams have won 28 championship titles and have produced 30 High School All-Americans, plus a long list of college lacrosse coaches. Its alumni include such legends as Jeff Long (Navy and Team USA), Paul Cantabene (MLL Baltimore Bayhawks), Andrew Whipple (Maryland), and Joe Walters (Maryland and Team USA).

Relive your high school days as we follow the entire 2005 Irondequoit Lacrosse season through its challenges and successes with the can-do spirit of its players. This full-length documentary includes rare archival footage, photos, articles, and stories from players and coaches, past and present. See clips from the first NCAA championship title in 1971, Cornell vs. Maryland! Plus, a tribute to one of Lacrosse’s true greats, Eamon McEneaney, who tragically lost his life on 9/11.

Feel the town’s passion for the Indian game of lacrosse. Irondequoit: Lacrosse Town U.S.A. marks the first time any high school lacrosse program has been the subject of such an in-depth documentary.

The documentary will soon be available on DVD for $24.95. Pre-orders will be taken the night of the premiere. For additional information on “Irondequoit: Lacrosse Town U.S.A.” contact Howard Nielsen at (585) 451-0066 or visit www.StickyLipsBBQ.com

ABOUT HOWARD NIELSEN – Mr. Nielsen is the owner of Chester Cab Pizza and Sticky Lips BBQ in Rochester. His first documentary, released in 2000, “When Football Was Bigger Than Life,” took an in depth view into the famed Aquinas Institute football program during post-war America.

“The Greatest Place on Earth” by DJ

Visit us on MySpace at http://myspace.com/animationworkshop

***

INDEPENDENT ANIMATOR EMILY HUBLEY IN PERSON

Animatus Studio and the High Falls Film Festival are pleased to welcome Emily Hubley to the 2006 program.

Join us for a special screening:

PIGEON (AND MORE) WITHIN
The Animated Mind of Emily Hubley

Little Theatre 1
240 East Avenue, Rochester
11:15 AM
Sunday, November 12, 2006

Working in a simple hand-drawn style, EMILY HUBLEY has been making short animated films for almost 30 years. Her work explores personal memory and the unexpected turbulence of emotional life.

She is currently working on a feature, THE TOE TACTIC, now in preproduction with Orchard Pictures. Her newest short, OCTAVE, premiered in a program of recent work earlier this year at The Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
She is a 2004 Annenberg Film Fellow named by the Sundance Institute, and attended their 2002 Screenwriters’ and 2003 Filmmakers’ Labs.

Hubley created artwork and animation for John Cameron Mitchell’s HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. She worked in collaboration with Jeremiah Dickey on inserts for the documentaries BUBBLE BOY, directed for American Experience by Barak Goodman, ORIGINAL CHILD BOMB, by Carey Schonegeval, and BLUE VINYL, by Judith Helfand and Daniel Gold.

For a summary of shorts we will be screening, visit http://animatusstudio.com/highfalls/hfmain2006.html

***

LIVIN’ LIFE: TEENS’ VOICES

For this year’s HFFF animation workshop, fifteen students from various schools and community organizations in the greater Rochester area collectively produced a remarkable short reflecting critical aspects of teens’ lives.

These filmmakers came together through “Raising 100,000 Voices,” a media literacy community education project run by WXXI Public Broadcasting, the University of Rochester Medical Center and The Roadwork for Success in Young Adulthood.

We’re proud to say that the film turned out great, and will be screening twice during the festival.

Saturday, November 11 at 5 pm (Little Theatre 4), it will precede the documentary FREESTYLE: THE ART OF RHYME.

Also, “Livin’ Life” will play at the Saturday Gala Night Screening at the Dryden Theatre.

***

PARALLEL WORLDS

This Rochester film will be playing as part of SHORTS PROGRAM #1, Wednesday November 8, 9:15 PM at the Little Theatre.

PARALLEL WORLDS
US, 2004, 6 minutes
Animator/Writer/Composer/Editor: Dave Puls
Assistant Writer/Editor: Luann Lindstrom

The abuse of the Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers moved the filmmaker to reexamine his own memories of working at a New York State Mental Hospital in the early 1970’s.

Luann Lindstrom lives in Rochester, NY and assists Puls with many of his projects at Animatus Studios.

For more about Fresh Toones, visit http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

***

ANIMATUS SPONSORED FEATURE: RENAISSANCE

Renaissance, the new animated sci-fi feature from France, will be playing Friday night at 11PM at the Little Theatre.

Imagine METROPOLIS and BLADERUNNER, then step further into the imagination where science fiction and digital animation meet to create an extraordinary world, giving film noir a new look and new life. It is the year 2054, and Paris is a city-state where big brother watches from above and all movement is monitored and recorded. The once ancient and beautiful skyline is overlaid with high tech skyscrapers. Avalon – the multinational cosmetic company – casts a long and dark shadow over the city. When a human genome scientist whose research may change the evolution of mankind forever is kidnapped, detective Karas is called in to help. In an underworld of dark secrets, corporate espionage, organized crime and genetic research, Karas finds a trail of dead witnesses and more. Christian Volckman stunning imagery combines high-tech animation, the look of black and white cinema with his own chiaroscuro painting style to bring the illusion of still-frame comics vividly to life. The narrative woven with futuristic imagery is completely absorbing and speaks of unlimited potential. (Kathy Kristich)

Director: Christian Volckman
Producers: Alexis Vonarb, Roch Lenner, Aton Soumache
Voiceovers: Ian Holm, Jonathan Pryce, Daniel Craig, Catherine McCormack
Casting Director: Celestia Fox

· 2006 Annecy International Film Festival: Feature Film Award

Celestia Fox began her casting career in 1978 with THE HOUND OF BASKERVILLE. She has taken on wide ranging projects from the edg: PINK FLOYD THE WALL, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS to the extremely elegant REMAINS OF THE DAY, UP AT THE VILLA, THE GOLDEN BOWL. She currently resides in London.

http://www.highfallsfilmfestival.com/2006/films.html

Animatus is proud to welcome EMILY HUBLEY as this year’s animation
guest for the High Falls Film Festival.

EMILY HUBLEY has been making short animated films since 1980 and
providing animation to television, fictional and documentary films for
over a decade. She is a 2004 Annenberg Film Fellow, named by the
Sundance Institute in support of her feature-in-progress THE TOE
TACTIC.

Hubley created artwork and animation for John Cameron Mitchell’s
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and inserts with Jeremiah Dickey for the
documentaries, ORIGINAL CHILD BOMB (which aired on the Sundance Channel
in August 2005) by Carey Schonegeval, BLUE VINYL, by Judith Helfand and
Daniel Gold and most recently, for BOY IN THE BUBBLE, directed by Barak
Goodman. She is a daughter of animators Faith and John Hubley, and
worked at the Hubley Studio Inc. in several capacities from 1976 -
2001.

Visit her website at http://www.emilyhubley.com

The High Falls Film Festival runs November 8-13, 2006
http://www.highfallsfilmfestival.com

******

ANIMATION WORKSHOP ALMOST FULL

Fall workshops begin this Saturday. We only have a few spots in both
Morning and Afternoon sessions! This your last chance to join us for
regular classes until January, so take advantage of this opportunity
while you can.

Fall 2006
Saturdays
October 7, 14, 21, & 28
$159

What’s going on in between the Fall and Winter sessions? SPECIALTY
CLASSES, of course. Where else can you learn the magic of computer
animation in such a fun environment? Minimum age of 12, with a Basic
Animation pre-requisite.

3D Workshop, Nov-Dec 2006
An introduction to Lightwave
Saturday Mornings
Nov 18, Dec 2, 9, & 16
$189

Flash I, Nov-Dec 2006
Intro to Macromedia Flash
Saturday Afternoons
Nov 18, Dec 2, 9, & 16
$189

Sign up online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

******

GEORGIE MARCHES TO CLEVELAND AND TULSA

The latest Fresh Toone from Dave Puls continues to make the rounds!
Here are two more “When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home.”

“Georgie” played this last weekend at the Tulsa Uncensored Film
Festival
http://www.tulsauncensored.com/schedule.html

The short will also be playing the Ohio Independent Film Festival on
Wednesday, November 8th.
http://www.ohiofilms.com

For more info on Fresh Toones, visit
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

******

“THE OTHER GODS” TRAILER NOW ONLINE

The latest independent horror project from Mike Boas has a trailer
online at http://maddogmovies.com/theothergods/video.html

In this adaptation of the H.P. Lovecraft short story, a proud prophet
meets with a tragic end when attempting to meet with the gods of earth.
“The Other Gods” will be premiering October 8th at the H.P. Lovecraft
Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

******

CLASSIC ANIMATION AT THE EASTMAN HOUSE

Come out this Tuesday to the George Eastman House to see some classic
animation of the silent era, with live music by Philip C. Carli.

More Pioneers of Animation
Location: Dryden Theatre
900 East Ave · Rochester, NY 14607
Tuesday, October 3, 8:00 PM

(Program running time approx. 90 min.) A follow-up to our enormously
popular “Pioneers of Animation” program from 2004, this fun-filled
program features some of the most innovative, entertaining, and
influential cartoons from the silent era, all preserved by George
Eastman House. Selections include COLONEL HEEZA LIAR, NATURALIST (1914)
and COLONEL HEEZA LIAR, SHIPWRECKED (1916); early cell animation in
BOBBY BUMPS’ DISAPPEARING GUN (1917) and BOBBY BUMPS AT THE DENTIST
(1917); Otto Messmer and Pat Sullivan’s famous feline in FELIX THE
CAT GETS REVENGE (1922) and FELIX THE CAT KEPT WALKING (1925); Koko the
Clown in the Fleischer Bros.’ FALSE ALARM (1923); Gregory LaCava’s
ABIE KABIBBLE OUTWITTING HIS RIVAL (1917) and BY THE SEAWAVES (1917),
staring the Katzenjammer Kids; Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in Walt
Disney’s SKY SCRAPPERS (1928); and Lotte Reiniger’s THE ORNAMENT OF
THE LOVESTRUCK HEART (1919). Live piano by Philip C. Carli.

“Georgie” takes a humorous look at what’s REALLY going on with the Bush administration, set to the crowd-pleasing melody of “When Johhny Comes Marching Home.”

See “Georgie” at the following:

Tulsa Uncensored Film Festival
Saturday, September 30th at 6:00 PM
www.tulsauncensored.com/schedule.html

Ohio Independent Film Festival
Wednesday, November 8 at 6PM
www.ohiofilms.com

Here’s the latest news from Animatus Studio in Rochester, NY.

============================

OCTOBER ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

The Fall Animation Workshops are filling up. If you’re planning on joining us, don’t wait till the last minute!

Sign up today and see your drawings come to life! The Fall session begins Saturday, October 7.

Go to http://animatusstudio.com/workshops to sign up online or print out a mail-in form.

What’s down the road? Starting in November, we’ll be offering more specialty workshops, covering 3D animation and Macromedia Flash. For more info, visit http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/classes.html#specialty

We’re now on MySpace! Make us your friend at http://myspace.com/animationworkshop

============================

FRESH TOONES SCREENINGS

Dave Puls’ “Hate Preachers,” will be part of the line-up at this September’s Independents’ Film Fest in Tampa, Florida. It will play September 15 (tonight at 9 PM!) on The Education Channel in Tampa, as well as being featured on the festival website in the near future. Visit http://www.independentsfilmfest.com to view the whole schedule.

“Hate Preachers” will also screen at The Great Lakes Film Fest, held September 20-24 in Erie, Pennsylvania. For festival information, visit: http://www.greatlakesfilmfest.com/film_fest/2006/index.html

“When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home” will be screening at the Red Bank Film Festival, which runs October 13-15 in Red Bank, New Jersey. See the schedule of films at http://www.rbiff.org/synopsis2006_sun.php#prescription

Find out more about Fresh Toones at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

============================

THE OTHER GODS SCREENING

Animatus artist Mike Boas’ latest horror project is a silent short based on the works of cult writer H.P. Lovecraft. “The Other Gods” will premiere at this year’s H.P. Lovecraft Film Fest in Portland, Oregon, which runs October 6-8. Visit the festival website at http://hplfilmfestival.com

Discover the secrets of “The Other Gods” at http://maddogmovies.com/theothergods

But no more! Today, driving down Winthrop Street was a whole new experience, because the house was gone:

As if plucked from the Earth by a wicked tornado, the blue house is no more. Come, marvel at the hole! Enjoy it now, because someday soon, it just may be a parking lot, or perhaps a vegetable garden.

Dave Puls’ “Hate Preachers” will play at the 2006 Great Lakes Independent Film Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania this September.

Find out more at
www.greatlakesfilmfest.com
www.myspace.com/greatlakesfilmfest

Why watch “So You Think You Can Dance” when you can dance to live music in the streets of Rochester? Get off your couch and come out to Pole-A-Palooza!

It’s a weekly celebration at the Liberty Pole in downtown Rochester. This coming Wednesday, July 5th, there will even be Animatus and Eggwork shorts playing at the event. (Ah, now we’re talking — Honey, get my keys!)

POLE-A-PALOOZA
A European Street Party!
The Liberty Pole Plaza (E. Main St. & Franklin St. )
Wednesday, July 5

5:30 pm – 8 pm — Short films, including:
* When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home
* The Scent of Valhalla
* Motherless Child – Remnants of the Subway
* Keep on Walkin’
* Animungus
Read film synopses at http://thelibertypole.com/art.html

5:15 pm — Music kicks off with:
* Loulou of Thievery Corporation
* Babaloo
More about the music at http://thelibertypole.com

Pole-A-Palooza will highlight an event-filled summer as the city promotes Rochester with its “Rockin’ the City” initiative. The free events will take place Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., through July 26.

In addition to the music, Pole-A-Palooza will showcase artwork by local artisans as well as short films from America’s cutting-edge short filmmakers. Visitors can even visit a psychic, have taro card readings and get a spirit drawing to be entertained as they stroll down Franklin Street and Liberty Pole Way.

A variety of food to accompany beer and wine will also be available.

=========================

ANIMATUS PREMIERES TWO NEW CARTOONS

The upcoming Pole-A-Palooza event will mark the first public screenings of two new cartoons produced at Animatus Studio in Rochester. That’s right, we don’t mess around — we’ve got shorts galore in store for you!

Keep on Walkin
3:35 • Music Video for SpiritEast • Animation produced by Animatus Studio

This upbeat song was composed by Phil Geiger and Steve Billow, and recorded by SpiritEast of Rochester. The music video takes our main character on a colorful stroll through a wonder filled world. He imagines a world where he can walk along with people of all races and religions in harmony.

When Georgie Goes Marchin’ Home
3:30 • Dave Puls • A Fresh Toone produced at Animatus Studio

This animated short takes us on a surreal tour of the Bush administration and its many misadventures. Like a ride through a fun house, we are taken into the bizarro world of GW. A surprise ending makes this sometimes uneasy jaunt worth the ride.

Other Animatus productions screening will be the Derf the Viking short, “The Scent of Valhalla,” and “Motherless Child – The Remnants of the Subway,” a feauturette produced for The End of the Line DVD. Also playing are “Animungus” shorts from Eric Merola and Matthew Ehlers of Eggwork Productions.

=========================

LAST CHANCE FOR 3D ANIMATION WORKSHOP!

We at the Animation Workshop are pleased to offer a new 4 week course in the basics of 3D animation. The class size is limited to 8 students, so sign up today to ensure your spot!

SATURDAYS
JULY 8, 15, 22, 29
9AM – 12 Noon
Cost: $189

Course Description:
Learn the basics of 3D animation. The course will include many guided tutorials and plenty of hands-on creative time. Students will explore the very basics in this beginner level course using the Lightwave 3D Discovery Edition animation program. Lightwave 3D is one of the more commonly used 3D animation packages used in television and the movies today.

Instructor Biography:
Paul Tracy graduated from RIT with a degree in Film & Animation. He has been working with Lightwave 3D since its beginnings in 1988, then known as VideoScape 3D. Paul has also been teaching adjunct classes at Monroe Community College in Computer Generated Imagery and Digital Photography. He owns his own 3D animation business in Rochester, NY and has worked with Animatus Studio on numerous projects.

Sign up online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

=========================

REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR THE AUGUST WORKSHOPS

Fish for New Ideas! Hike The Hills of Animation! Challenge the Wild Waters of Creativity! Join us for the Summer Animation Camp!

WHEN: Choose either Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, lasting from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day. See our Schedule for exact dates.

PRICE: $88.00 per week. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

We try to accomodate vacation schedules by pricing each week individually. These classes go all day, with a break for lunch.

NOTE: All supplies and equipment usage included. Students attending all four weeks receive a VHS copy of their animation. Additional tapes or DVDs are available for $10. Summer students should be sure to pack a lunch.

Sign up online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Yes, here’s your opportunity to meet and greet your favorite local
documentary filmmakers! Just in time for Father’s Day, Fredrick
Armstrong and James P. Harte will be signing DVD copies of “The End of
the Line: Rochester’s Subway” at Parkleigh this Saturday. DVD’s will
be available for sale.

ROCHESTER SUBWAY DVD SIGNING

Parkleigh
215 Park Ave. Rochester, NY
Saturday June 17th
1-3 PM

MAKES A PERFECT FATHER’S DAY GIFT!

If you or someone you know has a father, they just might love taking a
trip down memory lane with the story of the smallest city in America to
build and abandon a subway.

So don’t miss this chance to rub shoulders with these two noted
windbags! They know more about the subway than any man should. Come
on out to Parkleigh, visit scenic Park Avenue — make a day of it!

For more on “The End of the Line” visit
http://animatusstudio.com/subway

For more about Parkleigh, visit
http://www.parkleigh.com

We at the Animation Workshop are pleased to offer a new 4 week course in the basics of 3D animation. The class size is limited to 8 students, so sign up today to ensure your spot!

SATURDAYS
JULY 8, 15, 22, 29
9AM – 12 Noon
Cost: $189

Course Description:
Learn the basics of 3D animation! The course will include many guided tutorials and plenty of hands-on creative time. Students will explore the very basics in this beginner level course using the Lightwave 3D Discovery Edition animation program. Lightwave 3D is one of the more commonly used 3D animation packages used in television and the movies today.

Instructor Biography:
Paul Tracy graduated from RIT with a degree in Film & Animation. He has been working with Lightwave 3D since its beginnings in 1988, then known as VideoScape 3D. Paul has also been teaching adjunct classes at Monroe Community College in Computer Generated Imagery and Digital Photography. He owns his own 3D animation business in Rochester, NY and has worked with Animatus Studio on numerous projects.

Sign up online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR THE AUGUST WORKSHOPS

Fish for New Ideas! Hike The Hills of Animation! Challenge the Wild Waters of Creativity! Join us for the Summer Animation Camp!

WHEN: Choose either Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, lasting from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day. See our Schedule for exact dates.

PRICE: $88.00 per week. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 20% discount, for a total of $284.

We try to accomodate vacation schedules by pricing each week individually. These classes go all day, with a break for lunch.

NOTE: All supplies and equipment usage included. Students attending all four weeks receive a VHS copy of their animation. Additional tapes or DVDs are available for $10. Summer students should be sure to pack a lunch.

Sign up online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

WORKSHOP STUDENT WINS FILM FESTIVAL PRIZE

Congratulations to Animation Workshop student Adam Markajani, whose cartoon short won “Most Creative” at the Genesee Valley NYCLU PSA Film Festival. “Flappy Rabbit Learns About the First Amendment” played on the big screen at the Little Theatre along with other student entries in the fest.

Many kind (and well-deserved) words were spoken about Adam’s film by the judges and organizers of the event. Adam is one of our studio production students, who used his class time to work on this project with instructor Dave Puls.

***

“HATE PREACHERS” TO PLAY BOSTON INT’L FILM FEST

Congratulations to Dave Puls, whose Fresh Toone “Hate Preachers” will show at the largest film festival in Massachusetts and one of the largest in the United States: The Boston International Film Festival.

It will be shown on Saturday, June 10th, right before Henry Selick’s
short animation “Moongirl.”

For more info on the festival, visit
http://bifilmfestival.com/biffschedule.html

For more about “Hate Preachers” visit
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones/cartoons.html

***

“WHEN GEORGIE GOES MARCHING HOME” COMPLETED

The latest addition to Fresh Toones has just been completed, and creator Dave Puls is busy sending it out to festivals.

…This animated short takes us on a surreal tour of the Bush administration and its many misadventures. Like a ride through a fun house, we are taken into the bizarro world of GW. A surprise ending makes this sometimes uneasy jaunt worth the ride….

For updates on the film, bookmark
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones/cartoons.html

Congratulations to Dave Puls, whose Fresh Toone “Hate Preachers” will show at the largest film festival in Massachusetts and one of the largest in the United States: The Boston International Film Festival.

It will be shown on Saturday, June 10th right before Henry Selick’s
short animation “Moongirl.”

For more info on the festival, visit
http://bifilmfestival.com/biffschedule.html

For more about “Hate Preachers” visit
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones/cartoons.html

We encourage everyone to come out and support Adam and other Rochester youths this Sunday at the Litte Theatre.

=====================================

Genesee Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union
Presents

The First Annual GVC-NYCLU
PSA Film Festival

Featuring films from Monroe County
High School and middle school students
Juried Film Festival

CIVIL LIBERTIES BEHIND THE LENS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Sunday MAY 21, 2006

3-5pm
Little Theatre
240 east avenue

Free and open to the public

WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU?

Judges include:
George Grella, City Newspaper film critic, Professor of English U of R
Marla Schweppe, Computer Animation Professor at RIT,
Zena Collier, local novelist and author of “A Cooler Climate”,
Van White, Esq. local attorney and director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights Laws
James Pappas, film critic, Professor, African American Studies, University at Buffalo
Mark Costello, Esq. local attorney, Boylan Brown Code Vigdor & Wilson

Watch it online and submit viewer feedback through www.ManiaTV.com!

Too Short for Hollywood provides a testing ground for aspiring filmmakers to find their big break and air their work. They show the hottest free animation, free cartoons, short films, viral videos and hilarious segments every weekday.

Find out more about “Sharks” at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Here’s a playlist of trailers we put together for Animatus products:

To embed the playlist on your own webpage or blog, follow the instructions here.

THE NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM PRESENTS
THE STORY OF THE ROCHESTER SUBWAY

Join filmmakers Fredrick Armstrong and James P. Harte at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. There they will be presenting their Telly award winning documentary, The End of The Line – Rochester’s Subway, as well as two featurettes from the DVD release.

THE END OF THE LINE focuses on the story of the smallest city in America to build, and abandon, a subway. Service on the Rochester, New York subway began on December 1, 1927 and ended in June 1956.

PRODIGAL SON presents the stories of that subway’s only surviving passenger car, and one of the last men to operate it.

MOTHERLESS CHILD is a final salute to the subway’s abandoned tunnel and includes a “PHANTOM RUN” through this mile-long underground stretch.

A question-and-answer session with the filmmakers will follow the screening.

Address:
New York Transit Museum
130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5106
Tel: 718/694-1794

Saturday, May 6, 2006
1:30 p.m.

Directions to the Museum:
The New York Transit Museum is located at the corner of Boerum and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights. On weekends, local subways are the 2, 3, 4 to Borough Hall; R to Court Street; A, C, G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn; A, C, F to Jay Street/Borough Hall. By bus, B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B52, B57, B61, B65, B67, B75 – all stop within 1 to 2 blocks from the Museum. By car, the Transit Museum is just five blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge. Take the Brooklyn Bridge and proceed straight on Adams Street; Adams Street will become Boerum Place. You will then go two blocks to Schermerhorn Street.

Just a note – as there is work planned on the 4 line through the Fall, the line terminates at weekends at Brooklyn Bridge. So if you will be coming from Manhattan, we suggest you plan to take Westside trains – or if you are closest to the east side you can take the 4 to Brooklyn Bridge and then just hop on the J train to Court Street, which leaves you very close to us. Other plans for rerouted service are often available on a recorded message at 718-330-1234.

For more information about The End of the Line and its DVD release, visit http://animatusstudio.com/subway

CARTOONED CLASSICS at the RPO

This past Saturday, we were pleased to be involved with the Rochester Philharmonic’s presentation of CARTOONED CLASSICS. It was an afternoon of classical pieces made famous (at least to us) through their use in cartoons. Conductor Michael Butterman was gracious enough to invite our fearless leader, Fred Armstrong, to speak about the process of animation and the use of music in cartoons from the golden age. There was also a quiz to test the animation knowledge of the audience.

We’d like to thank everyone at the RPO for the wonderful experience.

====================================

ANIMATUS SHORTS AT THE ROCHESTER FILM FEST

This year we’re happy to announce the screenings of two Animatus shorts in the Rochester International Film Festival.

***

MOTHERLESS CHILD – REMNANTS OF THE SUBWAY
Fredrick Armstrong & James P. Harte
After a close-up study of decay, the viewer is taken on a phantom ride through a vacant tunnel where the now-abandoned Rochester, NY subway once ran. A lone piano and the resurrected sounds of the subway accompany the ride. (Color, 9 min)

8pm Thursday, May 4, 2006
Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House
900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY

Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

***

SHARKS IN THE WATER
David Puls
A disconcerting look at the corporate corruption and political collaboration that plague the US. (Animated, Color, 4 min)

4pm Saturday, May 5, 2006
The Little Theatre
240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY

Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

***

For more about the festival and the Movies on a Shoestring organization, visit http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org

See a preview from Motherless Child at http://animatusstudio.com/subway/subwayphantomrun.html

Find out more about Dave Puls’ Fresh Toones at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

====================================

The Animation Workshop Presents

FLASH WORKSHOP II
Advanced lessons in Macromedia Flash

Four Saturdays
May 13 & 20, June 3 & 10
(No class Memorial Day Weekend)

Time: 1-4 PM
Price: $189.00
Limited class size of four.
Pre-requisite: Flash Workshop for Beginners

In this workshop, we’ll be building on the basics of the Flash program (buttons, sounds, and animation tweening) to create an interactive self-contained website for each student.

Students can create menus and set up personalized pages about topics of their choice. Following this workshop session, students will receive a data CD of their work. Their work can be viewed from the CD or transferred to a computer hard drive.

If they wish to post webpages online, we can recommend several free hosting options.

To sign up, give us a call or send a check to:
Animatus Studio
34 Winthrop Street
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 232-1740

Here’s the latest news from Animatus Studio in Rochester, NY.

============================

“ROCHESTER’S SUBWAY” DIRECTORS INTERVIEWED FOR TV

This Sunday, hop out of bed and flip on Channel 13 in Rochester to see Jim
Harte and Fred Armstrong speak about “The End of the Line – Rochester’s
Subway.” Charlotte Clarke of “Many Voices, Many Visions” will interview the
two directors about their recent DVD release and the history of Rochester
transit.

Channel 13 WHAM TV
Many Voices, Many Visions
9 AM, Sunday March 19

Find out more about the DVD at http://animatusstudio.com/subway

============================

ANIMATION WORKSHOPS IN APRIL

Our Spring workshops are half done, so it’s time to start thinking about
Spring II!

The Spring II session begins April 8th, 2006. If you’d like to see your
drawings come to life, don’t delay!

Sign up online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops or print out a mail-in
form.

============================

FRESH TOONES SCREENING IN DETROIT

Dave Puls’ latest Fresh Toone, entitled “Hate Preachers,” will be screening
later this week at Detroit’s Metro Shorts festival.

Hate Preachers synopsis:

Hate preachers, for too long, have been fostering hate crimes. This animated
short takes a look at the destructive rhetoric and encourages all of us to
speak out to offset their fabrications. Reasonable people must stand up and
show that we are not intimidated by their bullying or we will find ourselves
living in a world of their making.

Read about the festival at http://www.metroshorts.com/

Find out more about Fresh Toones at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

============================

OSKAR FISCHINGER SCREENING AT THE EASTMAN HOUSE

Rochester’s Dryden Theatre will be screening a selection of work by
animator Oskar Fischinger on March 24th. Don’t miss this great chance to see
experimental animation on the big screen!

Oskar Fischinger is best known to the public for his inspiring work on the
first sequence in Fantasia, which set Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue” to an
ambitious series of abstract images. However, Fischinger was so unswervingly
dedicated to his vision that conflicts arose with the producers, and his
efforts went uncredited. Luckily, there remains a body of personal work that
is pioneering in its form and enchanting in its content. Vibrant and
colorful, his films are experiments in the relationship between music and
imagery and could be described as the place where Kandinsky and Thelonius
Monk meet. The program consists of Fischinger’s finest, including: RADIO
DYNAMICS (1942), COMPOSITION IN BLUE (1935), COLORATURA (1932),
SPIRITUAL CONSTRUCTIONS (1927), and more. Program provided by Center
for Visual Music, with thanks to the Fischinger Archive. Prints preserved by the
Academy Film Archive, CVM and Fischinger Archive, with the support of Film
Foundation, Sony, Deutsches Filmmuseum, and Cinémathèque Québécoise.

(program running time, 85 min.)

Visual Music: The Animation of Oskar Fischinger
Dryden Theatre, George Eastman House
8:00 PM, Friday March 24

http://www.eastmanhouse.org/calendar

Goldsmith Birdhouses

Karl Goldsmith creates handcrafted, one-of-a kind
architectural reproductions of barns, houses, and
historical buildings.

Visit www.goldsmithbirdhouses.com

The Computer Guru

Allie Peed offers fast, affordable relief of ailing networks
and computers in Rochester, NY. His website,
getyourguru.com, lists his qualifications and certifications.
Plus, read testimonials from satisfied customers!

Visit www.getyourguru.com

Ashley Toman

Ashley Toman is a professional harpist who performs a
broad range of musical styles. Those interested in hiring
Ashley for events can contact her through her site. Also
online are MP3 samples of her performances and links to
purchase her latest album.

Visit www.ashleytoman.com

For More Animatus Web Design

Visit our website
section at animatusstudio.com/websites

Hate Preachers synopsis:

Hate preachers, for too long, have been fostering hate
crimes. This animated short takes a look at the destructive
rhetoric and encourages all of us to speak out to offset their
fabrications. Reasonable people must stand up and show
that we are not intimidated by their bullying or we will find
ourselves living in a world of their making.

Read about the festival at http://www.kcjubilee.org

Find out more about Fresh Toones at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Audio from our Subway DVD premiere screening is now online
for your listening pleasure! Learn about the production of the
documentary and what went into shooting “The Phantom Run.”
Also, hear what audience members think about the subway’s
past and present.

Visit the subway website to listen to MP3 files online.

http://animatusstudio.com/subway/index.html#premiere

============================

PRAISE FOR “THE END OF THE LINE”

Michael Roque of RAILROAD.NET has posted a new review
of “The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway.”

“Overall, this is an excellent DVD with professional production,
high-quality imagery, and a compelling story told with a nostalgic
tone… certainly worth adding to any Rochester railfan’s collection.”

Read the whole review at
http://www.railroad.net/articles/columns/reviews/endoftheline/index.htm

============================

NEW VENDOR FOR “IT CAME FROM ANIMATUS”

Our cartoon compilation is now available through the recently
refurbished Animation World Network Store. See our disc rubbing
elbows with the likes of Plymptoons and Avoid Eye Contact!

Buy your copy today at
http://store.awn.com/product.php?productid=17161&cat=285&page=2

Film Description:

Hate preachers, for too long, have been fostering hate crimes. This animated short takes a look at the destructive rhetoric and encourages all of us to speak out to offset their fabrications. Reasonable people must stand up and show that we are not intimidated by their bullying or we will find ourselves living in a world of their making.

The festival will run March 9-17, 2006. Find out more at http://www.tiburonfilmfestival.com

Read more about Fresh Toones at http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones or see cartoons online at http://freshtoones.com

This year’s FLASH ANIMATED HOLIDAY CARD is now online. What happens when our intrepid hero Derf tries to get his tree home safely? Follow the link below to find out. Tell your friends!

See our animated holiday card at http://animatusstudio.com/cards/seasonsgreetings05.html

Click here for a special animated Season’s Greetings card from Animatus!

From DemocratAndChronicle.com

quote:

---

Cartoon fans can enjoy clever homegrown fun
Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle columnist

(December 2, 2004) — Animation from some of Rochester’s most experienced filmmakers — Fred Armstrong, David Puls and the gang at Animatus Studios, and Rochester Institute of Technology professor Skip Battaglia — is now available on DVD, just in time for the holidays.

It Came From Animatus and Skip’s Pix are in local shops and on the Internet. The two packages form a yin and yang of contemporary animation. It Came From Animatus offers rude, crude and brightly colored fun, while Skip’s Pix displays intellectual, esoteric and deeply philosophical works. (However, neither is particularly designed for young children. We’re not talking Disney here.)

It Came From Animatus ($19.95) showcases the three most prominent series of films from the Winthrop Street studio — three Derf the Viking shorts, two Su & Mo cartoons and seven Fresh Toones, which are short shorts, set to music, and among the most polished of the Animatus works.

Derf the Viking is the creation of studio founder and producer, Fred Armstrong. Derf is a likable if lazy fellow, a blend of Hagar the Horrible and Homer Simpson, as if reimagined by R. Crumb, and with a relentless determination to get into trouble that echoes the Road Runner. (Derf is Fred spelled backwards, and the Animatus crew says he bears more than a passing resemblance to Armstrong.)

Derf stars in three adventures, centered on rabid pursuit of food and booze and featuring a lot of the scatological humor and silliness that are staples of Farrelly brothers’ movies. The ‘toons are colorful and often clever. They combine crude homespun qualities with surprising sophistication, blending hand-drawn and computer animation styles.

Su & Mo are sumo wrestlers who double as Chippendale dancers in two gross-out cartoons, made in a purposely simplistic South Park cutout style.

My favorite Animatus films, though, are found among the Fresh Toones, especially True Believer, a brilliant, four-minute political satire about the danger of obsessive tyrants on the far right and far left throughout history.

Armstrong, Puls and head animator Mike Boas often work with students at Animatus, which shows in the informative and amusing commentary they contribute to one of the Derf ‘toons.

Skip’s Pix ($24.95) offers the eight key shorts from Battaglia’s 24-year career, starting with his much-praised, award-winning Boccioni’s Bike, a fast-paced study of acceleration as glimpsed through fragments of swift-moving, lightly sketched images.

Battaglia’s works are experimental, often surrealistic and highly original. Parataxis (1980), for example, was the first film ever made with a Xerox machine, and Geologic Time (1989) details our globe’s evolution in a stunningly minimalist and expressionist way.

My favorite from among the eight films remains How the Frog’s Eye Sees (1984), which gives us a few minutes in a pond with an amphibian, as seen through his highly limited eyes, which only pick up sketchy echoes of movement.

Battaglia demonstrates his professorial style with instructive commentary options on each of the eight films.

Local DVD ‘toons
Titles: It Came From Animatus and Skip’s Pix.

Filmmakers: David Puls, Fred Armstrong and Skip Battaglia.

Available: At several area DVD, comic book and music outlets, and at the Animatus Web site.

Online: animatusstudio.com and www.rit.edu/~cfbpph.

Jack’s ratings:
With 10 as a must-see, It Came From Animatus rates 7
With 10 as a must-see, Skip’s Pix rates 9

==========================

More write-ups of IT CAME FROM ANIMATUS:

• UK’s Skwigly Magazine
• MicroCinemaMagazine.com
• Animation World Network

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NSM: What kind of education do students need to go into animation?
Fred Armstrong: A basic background in drawing helps, even if you are going into 3-D animation. A degree in animation helps, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get it from an art school.

NSM: What skills should high school students practice to succeed in animation?
FA: Art classes, English (if you plan on writing your own stories), computer skills, math (for timing, exposure sheets and much more) and, last but not least, people skills for communicating ideas and understanding directions.

NSM: Where do animators work?
FA: Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks and ILM are the main companies on the West Coast. There are quite a few smaller companies as well. The West Coast is where the majority of animation is made, but there are a lot of smaller companies throughout larger cities in the U.S. that have 2-D and 3-D animation studios.

NSM: What’s the biggest challenge in animation?
FA: Getting your foot in the door somewhere to get the experience you need. In my case, it’s bringing in good high-paying commercial jobs into my studio.

NSM: Do cartoonists write their own story boards, or is that left to someone else?
FA: Some do and some don’t. It depends on the artist and the company they work for.

NSM: What’s your advice to high school students looking to pursue animation?
FA: Try creating some animation and see if you like it. It can be very labor-intensive and quite tedious. It can also be quite technically challenging. That said, it can be a very gratifying field. There are not too many jobs out there where you can get paid to bring things to life with a pencil or computer.

Check out the site at
http://www.filmblitz.org/

Rochester, NY

INDEPENDENT CARTOON POKES FUN AT THE FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Rochester’s Animatus Studio has completed work on their latest short, “Su and Mo: Lost in Animation.” The cartoon tells the story of Su and Mo, the world’s only lap-dancing wrestler/animators. Dancing at “Club Hippendale’s” has finally provided the boys with enough tip money to fund their independent film. After a turbulent production period, they journey to their native Japan for a premiere screening at the Tokyo Jokio film festival. Hilarity ensues!

The twelve and a half minute “Lost in Animation” is currently being submitted to festivals around the world. A trailer can be viewed online at http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo

THE (WIDE) BIRTH OF SU AND MO

The story of Su and Mo began with a trip to a film festival. “Several things went wrong on that trip. We had trouble at customs. One of our animators had a film in the festival — his picture in the program was printed upside down. We were subjected to an actual autopsy film at one of the screenings,” relates Fred Armstrong, co-director of “Lost in Animation” and owner of Animatus Studio. It wasn’t a bad festival experience, but the mishaps were odd enough to inspire Fred and the other creators, Dave Puls and Bob Lyons. On the journey home, they conjured up a pair of sumo wrestler who stumble through production on an animated film and have unusual problems at a festival screening.

Why sumo wrestlers? Well, Dave and Fred are rather large in stature, so sexy sumo caricatures seemed the way to go. “We weren’t out to make fun of the Japanese — If anything, we’re an equal opportunity offender,” says Mike Boas, animator and co-director. “I look at it like the classic Pepé Le Pew cartoons. They’re funny not because they mock the French, but because they use clichés and the faux-French language in such an obvious way. We wanted to try for that tone, especially when the boys go to the Tokio Jokio film festival.”

The resulting cartoon is part satire and part celebration of the whole film festival experience. In thinking back on festival mishaps, the Animatus staff considered many moments that could inspire Su and Mo’s adventures. Fred and Dave once attended a festival without buying tickets in advance… and had to resort to forging their own passes. They’ve had to deal with the frustration of registering, and then not being on the “list.” Fred relates his worst experience: “One sham fest took a substantial entry fee and then didn’t show our shorts like they were supposed to. Well, they showed them without sound while most of the audience was still waiting outside to get in, but that doesn’t count for much.”

Mike sees these flubs as part of life. “You can’t expect even the best festivals to run without a hitch, but you’re tempting fate if you try to have an outdoor screening during the rainy season.” He refers to a recent screening that came to a catastrophic end when a tent burdened with rainwater collapsed, disrupting the projection system. “The thunderstorm was bad enough, but when that waterfall happened onstage, it became one for the record books.”

Audience reactions also had an influence on Su and Mo’s story. Fred explains: “We’ve seen our share of existential films that intellectual crowds seem to love. Now some are great, but sometimes there’s a sense of the emperor having no clothes. People seem to like them because they’re supposed to. So what if our heroes created a film that is perceived as great because of a series of errors in production and screening?”

BEHIND THE FLESH

“Su and Mo” was initially going to be cut-out animation, shot on film. At the time of its inception, the artists at Animatus were learning Macromedia Flash. Two prequel webisodes were produced: “A Night at Club Hippendale’s” and “O Brother, Where Fart Thou?” set up the characters as popular exotic dancers, earning tip money to fund their films. The stop motion idea carried over into the Flash animation. “Our initial understanding of Flash suggested that we should construct characters in like paper dolls. So our character design mimics cut-out paper: seams between joints were clearly visible, etc. We used replacement heads, hands and other body parts rather than doing traditional sequential drawings,” Mike explains.

By the time the studio was ready to proceed with “Lost in Animation,” Fred had decided to do the piece digitally: “We had a great response to the first two episodes, and we had a staff that was familiar with Flash and After Effects. It made sense to keep the look consistent and utilize specific talents of our animators.”

Mike agrees. “We knew this would be going to video and entry into festivals. Some of our artists were proficient in Flash, some in After Effects, so we combined forces to create something new. The final piece has camera moves, transitions, and raster images that wouldn’t be possible to include in a standard Flash cartoon.”

It couldn’t look too perfect, however. Su and Mo had been established as crude characters who move in a crude, staccato fashion. To keep their movements “limited,” most character animation was accomplished at 10 frames per second and then multiplied out to video’s standard 30 fps. Stiff animation was a particular challenge in After Effects, which is always trying to smooth out motion.

The final result is quite satisfying. “Our version of ‘limited animation’ is a step above the standard definition,” says Fred. “We may be working low budget, but we take great care in every frame.”

The completion of “Lost in Animation” comes at a time when Animatus is actively seeking distribution for its library of cartoons. With Su and Mo and other shorts, Animatus has over 85 minutes worth of material, plus extras. An “Animatus Studio Collection” DVD release is expected in the next year.

Animatus Studio has been operating in Rochester, NY since 1989. The studio specializes in traditional animation for film and video, but also handles web animation, 3D and 2D graphics, and video editing. Other independent series produced at Animatus include the “Derf the Viking” trilogy and “Fresh Toones” from animator Dave Puls.

FILMMAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Fred Armstrong (co-director, co-writer, voice of Mo) has produced a multitude of animated commercials, industrials, and over a dozen animated cartoons. One of his first jobs in animation came as a result of an almost fatal display of inebriated fire breathing. He worked for many years as an animation cameraman in New York City before founding Animatus Studio, in Rochester. He is also founder of The Animation Workshop, which teaches the fundamentals of animation to young people.

Michael Boas (co-director, co-writer, assorted voices) earned himself an art degree from SUNY Geneseo and then went on to work in some strange places, including a toy truck factory, a garbage dump, and a radio station. He came to Animatus Studio eager to learn the craft of animation and has since become head animator and webmaster. He now knows just enough to be dangerous. Michael directed “Jason: The Rebirth,” the second place winner at the 2003 ManiaFest “Friday the 13th” film contest in Santa Monica, California. He has also worked as animator on all of Animatus Studio’s “Derf the Viking” shorts.

Dave Puls (co-creator, voice of Su) has been the Creative Director at Animatus Studio since 1992. He wrote and directed the three “Derf the Viking” cartoons for Animatus and has produced eight independent shorts for his series of “Fresh Toones.” Voicing Su provides him with a much needed emotional release.

PRESS INFO

Contact:
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio
34 Winthrop Street
Rochester, NY 14607

Phone: (585) 232-1740
Fax: (585) 232-3949

Website: http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo

“Lost in Animation” Specs:
12.5 minutes
Digital Animation
Available in Beta SP, Mini-DV, or DVD-R
Stereo Sound

==========================
May 27, 2004

Skwigly Animation Magazine has posted our story about Su and Mo at
http://www.skwigly.co.uk/magazine/articles/01-05-04/animatusstudio/sum o.asp

==========================
Jun 3, 2004

Follow the link for the Animation World Network write-up of Su and Mo:
Su and Mo Short Skewers Festival Circuit
Rochester’s Animatus Studio has completed work on its latest short, SU AND MO: LOST IN ANIMATION, a Flash animated, SOUTH PARK-style story that parodies the festival circuit.
http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=top&newsitem_no=11152

From Animated-News.com:
05/29/2004: “Su and Mo poke “crude, rude and lewd” fun at the Film Festival experience”
http://www.animated-news.com/archives/00001603.html

MicroCinemaScene coverage:
“Su and Mo: Lost in Animation” Completes Production
By Tim Shrum
May 28, 2004
http://www.microcinemascene.com/artman/publish/su_mo_lost.php

A nice mention of Su & Mo and Sharks over at Internet Video Magazine
http://www.internetvideomag.com/Videos/video-animation.htm

ToonZone gives us a plug:
“Su and Mo: Lost in Animation” Parodies Film Festival Experience
By Maxie Zeus
05-29-2004
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=112278

ROCHESTER INTERNAT’L FILM FEST A BIG SUCCESS

Thanks to everyone who came out for our big screening of Derf’s “Search for the Great White Ale” at the George Eastman House. It was a great, responsive audience — a good time was had by all! We also enjoyed seeing the festival’s other shorts and meeting many talented filmmakers.

For more about the fest, visit http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org/

Su and Mo have finally earned enough tip money to complete their independent film! After a turbulent production period, they journey to their native Japan for a premiere screening at the Tokyo Jokio film festival. Hilarity ensues!

We’re currently submitting this 12 minute epic to festivals… we’re hoping selection committees will be intrigued by our satirical look behind the scenes of movie-making. Or at least find it funny.

Check out the trailer for “Su and Mo: Lost in Animation” at http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo/episode3.html

See the latest of Dave’s Fresh Toones on the Slamdance Anarchy site! It’s a free download, playing in the Realplayer format. Join the community and place your vote!

“Sharks in the Water” is a disconcerting look at the corporate corruption and political collaboration that plague the United States.

Vote early! Vote often!
Go to http://slamdance.com/anarchy/film_detail.asp?film_id=554

For more Fresh Toones, including a high res Quicktime of Sharks, go to http://www.freshtoones.com

Because of the overwhelming demand, we’re adding a Wednesday series of the Animation Workshops in August. Sign up now before it’s too late!

http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

“Sharks in the Water,” a film by Dave Puls, is a hard hitting and disconcerting look at the corporate corruption and political collaboration that plague the United States. It is currently available for download as a Slamdance Anarchy short at http://www.slamdance.com/anarchy/film_detail.asp?film_id=554, and will be screened at the Boston Underground Film Festival in May.

Distressed by ongoing reports of corporate corruption, Dave felt compelled to put a face to both the perpetrators and to the individuals whose lives they have disrupted.

“Such behaviors are becoming more and more an accepted part of doing business in America,” says Dave. “I see a very strong similarity between these CEOs and those businessmen who worked with the Nazis. They each showed little interest in how their behaviors were affecting others and were more concerned with their own excesses.”

“Sharks” began as a song, which Dave wrote and produced himself. The animation was accomplished with Adobe After Effects with a blend of hand-drawn imagery and photo collage. Dave chose to go with stock images, rather than caricatures, of public figures such as President Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and high profile CEO’s. “I wanted them to be quickly recognizable to anyone who has seen these faces in the news,” explains Dave.

Dave’s own personal confrontation with the corporate world fueled his filmmaking. “After writing the song and working on the film for about four months it was revealed that my neighborhood was affected by a ‘release’ from a nearby oil storage facility. Everything was eventually resolved, but the whole experience inspired some of the imagery in ‘Sharks.’”Dave is from Rochester, New York and has been the Creative Director at Animatus Studio, since 1992. He has worked on many commercials and directed the “Derf the Viking” cartoon trilogy. His independent animated shorts have been exhibited around the world from Vancouver to Monte Carlo.

Dave’s first career as a counselor at the Rochester Psychiatric Hospital prepared him well for the crazy world of animation. Since 1993, he has been teaching animation at The Animation Workshop at Animatus Studio and in local schools through Young Audiences of Rochester. “I love empowering the next generation with the knowledge that they can speak out through their animation.”

Dave has put together a DVD of eight of his animations, which he refers to as Fresh Toones. For more information about Dave and his Fresh Toones go to http://www.freshtoones.com or http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones.

=============================
June 3, 2004

MicroCinemaScene has posted a write-up of Sharks:
Media: “Sharks in the Water”
By Jason Santo
May 11, 2004, 07:27
http://www.microcinemascene.com/artman/publish/printer_media_sharks_in _the_water.php

There’s also a nice mention of Su & Mo and Sharks over at Internet Video Magazine
http:/ /www.internetvideomag.com/Videos/video-animation.htm

Check out the refurbished site at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo

Plus, the third Su & Mo episode is finally complete. We’re in the process of entering it in festivals, and we’ll have a preview of it online soon. Hoo boy!

================
May 18, 2004

Get your taste of Episode III !

The trailer for Su & Mo: Lost in Animation is online now at http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo/episode3.html in the user friendly Quicktime format.

You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll believe two large men can fly… to Tokyo.

It’s only been two months since our last newsletter, but we’ve racked up plenty of fantastic news. Read on and be overwhelmed!

Thanks to everyone who made our spring workshops such a success! Our next classes are Thursdays in August. Don’t put off registering, because these workshops are already filling up.

Sign up using Paypal or print out a form to pay by check: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

Those who attended the closing night event at the High Falls Film Festival were treated to a short piece animated by students from Rochester’s Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School. “The World We Want to Live In” was produced at the Animation Workshop in conjunction with the festival and a grant from Citibank. We’re happy to announce that it will also be screened at the upcoming Syracuse International Film Festival. On May 1st, it will play as part of a series of shorts at the Everson Museum at noon.

Watch a Quicktime of the short online at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

Find out more about the Syracuse festival: http://www.syrfilmfest.com

Third time’s a charm for our bumbling Viking hero. “The Search for the Great White Ale” will play as part of this year’s Movies on a Shoestring festival. Come to this FREE screening Thursday night, May 6th, 8 PM at the Dryden Theatre (George Eastman House). Experience the drama, the adventure, the flatulence!

Find out more at http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org/

If you or your children have ever been enthralled by the fantastic stop motion animation of Clash of the Titans, The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, or Jason and the Argonauts, do not miss this special event!

Join us in welcoming animation legend Ray Harryhausen to Rochester on Sunday, May 2nd. At 2 PM will be a screening of rare shorts test reels. Then at 5 PM, Mr Harryhausen will introduce his most famous film, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, answer audience questions, and receive the title of George Eastman Honorary Scholar. (Friend and fellow animator Phil Tippet will also be in attendance to present the award.)

Mr. Harryhausen will be available to sign copies of his book, Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life, available in the Eastman House Store. Tickets: $10, $7 members and students, are available at the Dryden Theatre box office, the Museum’s admissions desk, or by phone at (585) 271-3361 ext. 218 (credit card orders only).

Find out more at the Eastman House website: http://eastman.org/calendar/mp_special_events.htm

Jim Morris of Lucas Digital and Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be giving seminars at the Syracuse Film Festival on May 1st. What a weekend for animation!

Find out more at: http://syracusefilmandvideofest.com/premiere/seminar/

Dave Puls now has three shorts on the festival circuit. “True Believer” will be screened at the Brooklyn International Film Festival in June. Read more about it here: http://www.wbff.org/films/detail.asp?cid=5&fid=330

The recently completed “Sharks in the Water” will screen at the Boston Underground Film Festival in May. “Sharks” is a piece targeting political and corporate corruption. Read more about the fest here: http://www.bostonundergroundfilmfestival.com/

Dave collaborated with artist Bob Barancik on “Uneasy Times,” a short which will be showing at the Tokyo Film Fest. Visit Bob’s site at http://www.artnothate.com/

Read more about Dave’s Fresh Toones here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

The Su and Mo epic is finally complete. We’re in the process of entering it in festivals, and we’ll have a preview of it online soon. In the meantime we’ve updated the Su and Mo website with fun “Behind the Flesh” information and “Meet the Meat” vital statistics.

Check out the refurbished site at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo

We’re getting some great responses to Derf! Check out the latest review at http://filmthreat.com/Reviews.asp?Id=5596

Here’s the latest news from WWW.ANIMATUSSTUDIO.COM

If you haven’t signed up for the March workshops yet, don’t wait! Our Saturday classes have been selling out each season, and Spring is filling up fast!

Sign up using Paypal or print out a form to pay by check: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

Those who attended the closing night event at the High Falls Film Festival were treated to a short piece animated by students from Rochester’s Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School. “The World We Want to Live In” was produced at the Animation Workshop in conjunction with the festival and a grant from Citibank. We’re happy to announce that it will also be screened at the upcoming Syracuse International Film Festival (April 29 – May 2).

Watch a Quicktime of the short online at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

Find out more about the Syracuse festival here: http://www.syrfilmfest.com

Dave Puls’ latest short continues to burn up the festival circuit. “True Believer” played at Monaco’s Imagina Festival at the beginning of February. For more about the event, go to http://www.imagina.mc/us

In this latest Fresh Toone, the alarm is sounded to beware of the “True Believer.” It blends humor with its stark observations of fanatics past and present.

Read about Fresh Toones here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Is your website fun to look at? Even a moving logo in the corner or an animated intro can help to “wow” visitors.

See some of the website work we’ve done at http://www.animatusstudio.com/websites

Here are several HFFF events that may be of interest those in the Rochester area. In addition to coordinating the Vicki Jenson special event, Animatus is involved with the children’s shorts program. Plus, Animatus intern Shannon Pytlak has a piece in the R.I.T. Shorts Program. If you’re a fan of the animated incarnations of Batman, Superman, and Batman Beyond, you may want to attend the panel discussion with Shirley Walker.

Enjoy!

Shirley Walker broke industry ground in 1992 by becoming the first woman ever to score a film for a major studio. The film, MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN, featured not only Walker’s music, but her orchestrations as well—and she conducted the orchestra during the recording sessions, a Trifecta not many composers can match! A Daytime Emmy-winner for her scores for the Batman and Superman animated TV series, Walker composed the scores for BLACK STALLION, MAJORITY RULE, ESCAPE FROM L.A., TURBULENCE, and BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik will moderate the discussion. FREE.

Thursday, Nov. 6. 5:45 pm
Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music., 26 Gibbs St.

Find out more at http://highfallsfilmfest.com/events/panels.html

Highlights:

“The World We Want To Live In,”

Nine girls (ages 10-13) from Rochester’s Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School worked with Animatus and the Animation Workshop to produce this piece about icons in women’s history. Funded by a grant from Citibank.

“What Happened Was”
Six special stories brought to life by students from Rochester’s Charter School of Science and Technology and facilitators from the Museum of Kid’s Art (MOKA). Funded by a grant from Citibank.
Directed by Michelle Cardulla (editor of Lake Affect Magazine) and David Cowles

“Da Boys Up and Down”
From the animated series that has been featured on Sesame Street.
Directed by Paula Tiberius of Headgear Animation

AND MANY MORE!

Saturday, Nov 8, 11:00 am
Little Theatre #2
Admission: $6.00

The director of SHREK, one of the most successful animated feature films of all time, will discuss her years as an art director and/or production designer on projects including FERNGULLY, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO, and her upcoming Dreamworks film, SHARK TALE, as well as her work with Ralph Bakshi and John Kricfalusi on the visual style development for Mighty Mouse and Ren & Stimpy. Jenson will show clips of her work, as well as FAMILY TREE, a 36-minute live action film she directed, starring Harlan Williams, Talia Shire and Ethan Phillips.

Saturday, November 8, 2003 • 1:15 PM
The Little Theater • 240 East Avenue • Rochester, NY

Tickets for the show are $7.00.
($5.00 for students with valid ID)
Buy them at the door or in advance from all Wegmans locations.

Find out more at http://www.animatusstudio.com/highfalls

Films by students in the School of Film and Animation, Rochester Institute of Technology. Featuring “Newt the Gecko” by Animatus intern Shannon Pytlak.

Saturday, Nov 8. 5:15 pm – 6:45 pm
Little Theatre #1
Admission: $7.75
($5.00 for students with valid ID)

Here’s the latest news from WWW.ANIMATUSSTUDIO.COM

The director of SHREK, one of the most successful animated feature films of all time, will discuss her years as an art director and/or production designer on projects including FERNGULLY, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO, and her upcoming Dreamworks film, SHARK TALE, as well as her work with Ralph Bakshi and John Kricfalusi on the visual style development for Mighty Mouse and Ren & Stimpy. Jenson will show clips of her work, as well as FAMILY TREE, a 36-minute live action film she directed, starring Harlan Williams, Talia Shire and Ethan Phillips.

From ‘Stimpy’ to ‘Shrek’: Animation Through Vicky Jenson’s Lens
Saturday, November 8, 2003 • 1:15 PM
The Little Theater • 240 East Avenue • Rochester, NY

Tickets for the show are $7.00. Buy them at the door or in advance from all Wegmans locations.

Find out more at http://www.animatusstudio.com/highfalls

Dave Puls’ latest short continues to burn up the festival circuit. In December, “True Believer” will play in New York City as part of the International Festival of Cinema and Technology.

In this latest Fresh Toone, the alarm is sounded to beware of the “True Believer.” It blends humor with its stark observations of fanatics past and present.

Find out more about the festival here: http://www.ifct.org

Read about Fresh Toones here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Mike Boas, a long time animator with Animatus, has won second place in the Mania Fest “Friday the 13th” film contest. His film, “Jason: The Rebirth,” was created especially for the contest. “Jason” and other competing shorts were shown before a screening of the original “Friday the 13th” in Santa Monica, California. The two minute piece was created using Macromedia Flash and the editing software at Animatus Studio.

Find out more at http://mikeboas.web1000.com/jason

Read about the Mania Fest at http://www.maniafest.com

Is your website fun to look at? Even a moving logo in the corner or an animated intro can help to “wow” visitors.

See some of the website work we’ve done at http://www.animatusstudio.com/websites

Here’s the latest news from WWW.ANIMATUSSTUDIO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WORKSHOP STUDENTS!

On August 7th, the Young Audiences of Rochester held their third annual YOUNG FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL. Among the entries screened that evening were two from Animation Workshop students Grant Van Nostrand and Osei Hunter. Grant’s “Adventures of Rob: The High School Freshman” kicked off the evening, and Osei’s “Super Warriors” took the top prize in the animation category. Congratulations to you both!

The PBS series ASSIGNMENT: THE WORLD did a story on the Animation Workshop recently. Several students and their works were featured, including Grant Van Nostrand, Osei Hunter, David Zipeto, Dan Sarnoff, and Eric Foote. Download the QuickTime video from our website: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

Got the itch to create your own cartoons? Our next classes are Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25. Sign up online or by snail mail!

Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

The L.A. International Short Film Festival will be screening Dave’s latest short in September. In this latest Fresh Toone, the alarm is sounded to beware of the “True Believer.” It blends humor with its stark observations of fanatics past and present.

Find out more about the festival here: http://www.lashortsfest.com

Read about Fresh Toones here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

Animatus artist Chris Kamsler has succeeded in bringing Derf into the 3D world. It began as an experiment, but 3D Derf has taken on a life of his own. He’s more bulbous and rotund than ever before!

Get a sneak peek of Derf (in a rock-n-roll pose) here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf/images/3dderfswirl640.jpg

Download more Derf wallpaper here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf/wallpaper.html

Is your website fun to look at? Even a moving logo in the corner or an animated intro can help to “wow” visitors.

Take a look at what we did for recording artist M.D.G. at http://www.matthewdguarnere.com/mdg

See some other website work at http://www.animatusstudio.com/websites

Here’s the latest news from WWW.ANIMATUSSTUDIO.COM

The Summer Animation Camp is nearly sold out, with only a few Wednesday slots left. Join us August 6, 13, 20 & 27

Fish for New Ideas! Hike The Hills of Animation! Challenge the Wild Waters of Creativity!

Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

The San Antonio Underground Film Festival just scored an Animatus hat trick. Our first two Derf episodes screened at the festival in past years, and this June, “The Search for the Great White Ale” was part of their program. They must like us or something!

Visit their site at http://www.safilm.com

See a boatload of behind the scenes Derf stuff at http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf

The Animatus Intern Army™ has been hard at work all summer animating those irascible Sumo wrestlers. In the upcoming third episode, Su & Mo manage to shoot their own animation and enter it in the Tokyo Jokio Film Festival. The boys head to Japan and hilarity ensues.

See a episodes 1 and 2 at http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo

Is your website fun to look at? Even a moving logo in the corner or an animated intro can help to “wow” visitors.

Take a look at what we did for Hamilton AV at http://www.audiovisualrental.biz

See some other website work at http://www.animatusstudio.com/websites

DERF THE VIKING DVD RELEASE PARTY! The Rochester Finger Lakes Film and Video Office and Animatus Studio present:

EGGMARK III
An evening of short films and music

Featuring the Animatus Premieres of
“The Search for the Great White Ale” and “True Believer”

Live Music by TOMMY BRUNETT
Also performing will be JAZZBARN Sunday April 27, 6:00 PM
The Montage Grill
50 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY
Open to the public
$3.00 suggested donation

THE DERF TRILOGY NOW AVAILABLE ON VIDEO
DVD: $19.95       VHS: $15.95

Experience the absurdity in the comfort of your own home! An epic saga centuries in the making, Animatus Studio is proud to present the only animated series dedicated to Nordic legend and flatulence! This limited edition disc includes “The Scent of Valhalla,” “The Quest for Happy Hour,” and “The Search for the Great White Ale.” Bonus features include the Kiddie-Friendly version of “Scent” and a trailer for our upcoming Animatus Studio Collection. If you’re not quite ready for the digital revolution, we also have VHS copies for sale. Buy now and get a coupon good for 10 bucks off the Animatus Studio Collection DVD, coming this fall.

More about the video here: http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf/dvd.html
Read up on Derf at http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf/index.html

For those of you planning your summer vacations, don’t forget about our Animation Workshops, Thursdays in August. Each workshop is $79.00, which includes all supplies and equipment usage. Sign up for all four weeks and get a 10% discount, for a total of $284. Students who attend all four weeks also receive a VHS copy of their animation. Visit our website for more details about the classes, samples of student work, and instructions on how to pay by check or Paypal.

Visit http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops/summer.html

“True Believer” is the latest independent offering from Dave Puls. In this animated short, the alarm is sounded to beware of the “True Believer.” It blends humor with its stark observations of fanatics past and present. (Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein make cameo appearances.) “True Believer” has been selected to run in several festivals, including Rochester’s “Movies on a Shoestring,” the Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, and Philadelphia’s First Glance Film Festival.

Read more about Fresh Toones at http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones/index.html
Or visit Dave’s website at http://www.freshtoones.com

ANIMATUSSTUDIO.COM GETS A MAKEOVER

Holey Moley! Have you seen the new Animatus site? We’ve reorganized our pages to make it easier to find your way around, with tons of new happy Flash-animated menus! And if you haven’t seen the new Derf the Viking section, you’re missing out on a world of goofy fun.

See our new layout at http://www.animatusstudio.com/main.html

FRESH TOONES’ LATEST INSTALLMENT

“True Believer” is the latest independent offering from Dave Puls. In this animated short, the alarm is sounded to beware of the “True Believer.” It blends humor with its stark observations of fanatics past and present. “True Believer” has been chosen to run at the Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee in April of 2003.

Read more about Fresh Toones at http://www.animatusstudio.com/freshtoones/index.html

Or visit Dave’s website at http://www.freshtoones.com

NEW DERF CARTOON ALMOST FINISHED – WE MEAN IT THIS TIME!

Voice work? Check. Animation? Check. Sound Effects? Check. Music? We’re working on it. Come springtime, “The Search for the Great White Ale” (also known as “Mopey Derf”) will be ready for public consumption. We’ll have some screenings locally and submit it to film festivals. With the completion of this, our third Derf cartoon, we plan to put together a Derf “Saga” DVD. More on that as it happens.

Read up on Derf at http://www.animatusstudio.com/derf/index.html

WHAT’S REAL UNLIMITED

The What’s Real site features boatloads of information on rock musician Matthew D. Guarnere. The site has a new stylish look and plenty of MP3 downloads. Flash menus and web design by Animatus Studio.

Check it out at http://www.whatsrealunlimited.com

Until next time,
Fred Armstrong

Nancy Cartwright
is coming to Rochester…

Tickets are selling fast.
Get yours before they sell out!

High Falls Film Fest Animation Program 2002 Animatus Studio and the High Falls Film Festival are pleased to welcome Nancy Cartwright to this year’s program. Best known as the spiky-headed underachiever Bart Simpson, Emmy™ Award-winning voice actor Nancy Cartwright is also the unique voice behind Simpsons’ characters Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz, Todd Flanders and others. In addition to her work on The Simpsons, Nancy has continually expanded her acting arena, having taken on the voice of Chuckie in Nickelodeon’s Rugrats, as well as voicing Rufus the Naked Mole Rat in Disney’s new hit show Kim Possible. Join us in welcoming her to Rochester during this year’s festival, which continues to highlight the achievements of women in entertainment.

An Afternoon with Nancy Cartwright: My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy Nancy will tell stories from her career and show video samples of her work. Don’t miss this chance to find out what happens behind-the-scenes on your favorite animated shows. Saturday, November 2, 1:00 PM Admission: $7.50 adults, $5.00 children 12 and under The Dryden Theater The George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Express. Buy them in advance before they sell out! Tickets are sold in person at 100 East Avenue, or by fax: (585) 232-5353. To order by fax, please include your name, address, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. Also include the name of the show, date, and time. Ticket Express is open M-F, 10am-6pm, (Sat., Nov. 2nd only,10 am-2 pm). For more information, call (585) 222-5000. Tickets available at Ticket Express up to one hour before show time, during hours listed above. At one hour before show time, tickets will go on sale at the respective venues.

Book Signing: My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy Meet Nancy and pick up a signed copy of her autobiography! Nancy will be signing only books at this appearance. Sunday, November 3, 2:00 PM Barnes and Noble Booksellers 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford

Find out more by visiting www.AnimatusStudio.com/highfalls. Bart Simpson is TM and © FOX and its related entities. All rights reserved.

Here’s the latest news from Rochester’s premiere animation studio.

AN EVENING OF SHORTS
Featuring Su and Mo Su and Mo, the lap-dancing bad boys of animation, have grown too large to be confined by a mere computer terminal. Join us at the Montage Grill on Sunday, June 30 to see how their monstrous proportions hold up to video projection. It will be an evening of shorts, showcasing several pieces from Eggwork Productions and Animatus Studio.

From Eggwork Productions:

AUTOBANK
The world premiere of the comedy short.
CANNES MAN
A winning short from the Chrysler Hypnotic Million Dollar Film Festival “Extreme Filmmaking” Competition
THE MAKING OF CANNES MAN
Behind the scenes footage from Cannes, France.
LUNCH
Eggwork’s first film. Official Selection to Sundance 2002.

And from Animatus Studio:

Derf the Viking in THE QUEST FOR HAPPY HOUR
The Special Edition Producer’s/Director’s Cut.
SU AND MO: The Lap-Dancing Bad Boys of Animation
The exotic dancers make the leap from the web to the big screen. Too big to ignore!

Plus, don’t miss your chance to sample Derf the Viking’s favorite beverage:
QUEST ALE will be on tap all evening!

Sunday June 30th at The Montage Grill
50 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY
Films start at 7:30 PM
General Admission, open to the public
suggested $2 donation

Find out more about Derf or Su and Mo at http://www.animatusstudio.com
Find out more about Eggwork Productions at http://www.eggwork.com/ LITTLE RICKY GETS A BIG AUDIENCE Now the whole world can delight in the fictionalized biography of Animatus president Fredrick “Little Ricky” Armstrong. That’s right, “The Secret Life of Little Ricky” is available for viewing on the Animatus website. Check it out using RealVideo or QuickTime. http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/independent.html

THE ANIMATION WORKSHOP

The Summer Animation Camp is nearly sold out, with only a few Tuesday slots left. Can’t make it this summer? Our next sessions are Saturdays in October. Sign up early to reserve your space! Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/animation_workshops.html

WEBSITE ACTIVITY

Hamilton AV provides professional audio-visual and video services for conventions, meetings, and special events. We created a short cartoon to illustrate a typical a/v setup. Go to http://www.audiovisualrental.biz.

Know someone who could use our website design talents? Direct them to http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/websites.html

Until next time,
Fred Armstrong ]]> http://animatusstudio.com/main/2002/06/animatus-news-june-2002/feed/ 0 http://animatusstudio.com/main/2002/04/animatus-news-april-2002/ http://animatusstudio.com/main/2002/04/animatus-news-april-2002/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2002 17:49:58 +0000 mike http://animatusstudio.com/main/?p=250 Greetings from Animatus!

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for our newsletter recently. Here’s what’s been going on at Animatus Studio…

THE ANIMATION WORKSHOP — STUDENT ZOETROPES

On the first day of our Basic Animation class, students have the opportunity to make zoetrope strips. These are sequences of ten pictures, demonstrating a “loop” of animation. Played back with a handheld zoetrope, this project gives an immediate demonstration of drawings in motion. See some samples from this Spring’s classes at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/zoetropes.html.

We are now accepting registration for our Summer Animation Camp, Thursdays in August. Space is limited, so sign up soon! Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/summer.html

WEBSITE ACTIVITY

The Animatus Animation Links page has been revised and expanded. Make it your homepage, then start each day by visiting a link you’ve never visited before! (Just a suggestion.) http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/links.html

Chester Cab Pizza’s latest promotion involves “trading stock” in the company. Play the market and earn prizes like pizza, wings, T-shirts, and movie passes. Check out the site, with animation and design elements by Animatus, at http://www.chestercab.com/pizzaindex.html.

The “What’s Real Unlimited” website is now online with information about the latest release from Rochester musician M.D.G. Featuring video and website design by Animatus. Check it out at http://www.whatsrealunlimited.com.

The Heart Associates of Rochester website offers in-depth information on cardiac health. Site design, gif animation, and web video by Animatus: http://www.heartassociates.org

Animatus has also created a website for “A World of Kindness,” a Rochester non-profit organization. The site gives information on the group’s activities and allows visitors to send queries regarding volunteering and hosting events. Go to http://www.aworldofkindness.org to learn more.

FESTIVAL NEWS — BIG SCREENING FOR LITTLE RICKY

As a gag for my birthday bash back in December, Dave Puls and James P. Harte put together a short video called “The Secret Life of Little Ricky.” It’s a goofy look at world events in the year I was born, hosted by “Walter Kronkite.” Now people I don’t even know will have the opportunity to laugh at my baby pictures, because Dave entered the piece into the 44th Rochester International Film Festival. Also known as “Movies on a Shoestring,” the festival runs at the George Eastman House the first week in May. “Little Ricky” will play Friday night, May 3. Find out more about the festival at http://www.rochesterfilmfest.org/

Read about other “Fresh Toones” at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/independent.html

IN OTHER NEWS

Work continues on our next Derf the Viking cartoon. “The Search for the Great White Ale” pits Derf against Loki, the Trickster God of Norse legend. We’re also in the process of putting together a new and improved non-linear edit system. Soon we’ll have a whole new bag of tricks to offer our clients.

Until next time,
Fredrick Armstrong
President, Animatus Studio

When compiling this latest newsletter, it was our intention to crow about our fantastic experience with the High Falls Film Festival. The screenings were well received, and attendees took the opportunity to converse with filmmakers Faith Hubley and Sybil DelGaudio. The Faith Hubley Workshop was a great success as well. Unexpectantly, however, we have learned this week that Faith passed away on Friday, December 7th. Even though we knew her for only a short time, Faith made quite an impression on us. In fact, she made an impression on everyone at the festival. Even those unfamiliar with her work became new fans after the screening of “Our Spirited Earth” and the presentation of the Web of Life Award at the closing gala. She will be missed.

Read more about Faith and the High Falls Film Festival at http://www.animatusstudio.com/highfalls.

WEBSITE ACTIVITY

The “What’s Real Unlimited” website is now online with information about the latest release from Rochester musician M.D.G. Featuring video and website design by Animatus. Check it out at http://www.whatsrealunlimited.com.

NEW ANIMATUS REEL

We’ve put together a new reel of studio work, presented in a fantastic 3D environment. “The Halls of Animatus” features examples of our work in such diverse fields as: traditional animation, 3D and 2D CGI, stop motion, rotoscoping, morphing, nonlinear editing, logos, characters, web design, and Flash animation. It’s available to view online in the QuickTime format at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/video_clips.html.

While you’re there, check out a sample of a recent job we did for Crystal Pix. Created for for the Paychex Southwestern Conference in Arizona, the piece features a Native American theme. It was created using a variety of programs, including Flash and After Affects, and composited on our nonlinear edit system. It’s online at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/video_clips.html.

SUBWAY DOCUMENTARY UPDATE

“The End of the Line – Rochester’s Subway,” an Animatus Studio production, is now available with CLOSED CAPTIONING for the hearing impaired. See the story of the smallest city in America to ever build and abandon a subway. Find out more at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/the_end_of_the_line.html.

THE ANIMATION WORKSHOP GIFT CERTIFICATES

Does someone on your Christmas list love to draw? Maybe they’ve always wanted to see their drawings come to life? Sign them up for the next session of the Animation Workshop beginning January 5th. A four-week course on the basics of animation is a steal at $156.00. Go to http://animatusstudio.com/html/animation_workshops.html.

It’s been a busy month, between commercial work and two sessions of The Animation Workshop. We’ve spent spare moments preparing for the High Falls Film Festival, taking place in Rochester this October 17-21. Focusing on women in film, the festival is honoring animator Faith Hubley this year with a retrospective of her independent work. As an official sponsor, Animatus Studio will be hosting a workshop with Faith to highlight her working methods and exhibit storyboards for her next film. Also in attendance at the festival will be Sybil DelGaudio, director of a new documentary about Faith and her late husband, John. The film, entitled “Independent Spirits: Faith Hubley/John Hubley,” will be screened Thursday evening at the festival. For more information on the films and the screening schedule, visit http://www.animatusstudio.com/highfalls.

IN OTHER FESTIVAL NEWS…

One fine morning in mid-August, we received a certificate in the mail that read, “Si attesta che Fredrik Armstrong Producer ha partecipato alla 3a edizione del Festival.” Yes, it seems that the Dervio International Animation Festival in Italy accepted the three shorts we sent them. “Ridin’ This Train,” “The Scent of Valhalla,” and “The Quest for Happy Hour” were three of the six American participants in the festival. (That means 50% of the American entries were from Animatus, for those of you doing the math.) We are honored and befuddled by the acceptance of our Americanized Scandanavian hero in Italy.

Meanwhile, on the this side of the Atlantic, Derf conquered the Rockies at the Crested Butte Reel Fest, which ran August 8-12 in Crested Butte, Colorado. “The Quest For Happy Hour” showed as part of a selection of “Gripping Shorts.”

But wait, there’s more! Director Dave Puls’ short “Ridin’ This Train” screened at the Vancouver Island Independent Film, Video and New Media Festival the first weekend in August.

If that’s not enough, Derf the Viking in “The Quest for Happy Hour” is one of four animated shorts selected for competition at the “B-Movie Theater Film Fest” in Syracuse, New York. The festival will take place September 15-16. For more about the fest, check out the website at http://www.b-movie.com/hof/fest.html.

SHAMELESS PLUG

Kids love them! The cool thing for back to school this year is an Animatus T-Shirt. Buy yours for a very reasonable $12.00 (plus tax and shipping) at http://www.animatusstudio.com/store.

THE ANIMATUS REEL

When you need animation, think Animatus! We’ve put together two and a half minutes of our favorite studio work. The reel features examples of our work in such diverse fields as: traditional animation, 3D and 2D CGI, stop motion, rotoscoping, morphing, nonlinear editing, logos, characters, web design, and Flash animation. It’s available to view online in the QuickTime format at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/video_clips.html.

Holy Mackerel! Have you seen the new Animatus Reel? We’ve put together two and a half minutes of the best our studio has to offer. The reel features examples of our work in such diverse fields as: traditional animation, 3D and 2D CGI, stop motion, rotoscoping, morphing, nonlinear editing, logos, characters, web design, and Flash animation. It’s available to view online in the QuickTime format at http://www.animatusstudio.com/html/video_clips.html.

Webmaster Mike finally got his act together and put the Animatus T-Shirts on the website. Now you and your loved ones have no excuse not to purchase your very own animation apparel. Here’s what satisfied customers have to say:

“Without my Animatus T-Shirt, I’d be naked!”
- Britney Spears “The Animatus T-Shirt made me a chick magnet!”
- William Jefferson Clinton

“I’ve been dead for 35 years, but that didn’t
stop me from buying an Animatus T-Shirt.”
- Walt Disney

For a measly $12.00 (plus tax and shipping) you can express your love for animation. Available in “Animatus Studio” and “Animation Workshop” styles. Buy Yours today at http://www.animatusstudio.com/store.

Festival news: Derf the Viking in “The Quest for Happy Hour” is one of four animated shorts selected for competition this September at the “B-Movie Theater Film Fest” in Syracuse, New York. Screening times have yet to be announced. For more about the fest, check out the website at http://www.b-movie.com/hof/fest.htm.

Fans of Su and Mo beware! Recently, one of our workshop students was accessing the Bad Boys of Animation from his high school library. He was slapped with detention! So be warned, the animated antics of the world’s largest lap-dancers should only be viewed in a safe environment. (We’re not making this up.)

Our latest spring session of workshops was a great success. The next session is the Summer Animation Camp, Thursdays in August. Space is limited, so sign up now!

Animatus is sponsoring the Dinner Dogs concert in Meridian Centre Park on July 18. If you live in the Rochester area, bring your kids out to the show. Want a sample of their music? Go to www.animatusstudio.com/dinnerdogs. Or call (716) 784-5260 for more information about the Sunset Serenade concert series.

“The Quest for Happy Hour” has been accepted to screen at the San Antonio Underground Film Festival- also known as the Golden Shower Film & Video Festival. The folks in San Antonio have been good to us for the last few years, screening our Derf shorts as well as Dave Puls’ Fresh Toones.

There’s plenty to talk about in this installment. Several projects have reached completion in the last few weeks.

First is the Flash-animated music video for the DINNER DOGS. Their song, “Totally Me,” encourages kids to be whatever they want to be when they grow up. We took their pre-conceived characters and made them sing, dance, and act out the four minute tune. The band intended to show the video on their website, so Macromedia Flash was the obvious choice to use. Its use of vector graphics make streaming animation over the internet simpler while retaining high quality. Not to sound too bold, but our end product is pretty impressive. See it yourself at http://www.animatusstudio.com/dinnerdogs.

The long awaited SU AND MO episode two is also complete. If you enjoyed tipping the exotic dancers with exotic foods in the interactive first episode, you’ll love their backstage antics in the current story. See them count their tips! See the other dancers get jealous! See the boys hold off mobs of crazed women! It’s more bizarre than you can imagine. Go to http://www.animatusstudio.com/sumo to see either episode.

After months of contemplation, we’ve made the final additions and changes to THE QUEST FOR HAPPY HOUR. The extra-special-edition-producer’s-director’s-cut of this latest “Derf the Viking” cartoon was screened at the Little Theater on March 26. The program that evening consisted of short subjects shown in conjunction with the Rochester and Finger Lakes Film and Video office. RIDIN’ THIS TRAIN, a “Fresh Toone” by Dave Puls of Animatus, was also screened. For more about the film office, log on to http://www.filmrochester.org/.

That’s all for now. Seeya!

Fred Armstrong
President
Animatus Studio

Hello everyone!

Our interactive short, Su and Mo,
the Lap-dancing Bad Boys of Animation, is now part of the showcase of independent work at Icebox.com. Su and Mo are a couple of down-and-out animators who just want to get their movies made. Unfortunately, they must resort to extreme lap-dancing to raise money for their films. Any similarity to actual persons is entirely coincidental.

We’re hoping a gazillion people will see it, and that someone will pay us truckloads of money to do more episodes. If it gets a fantastic response on Icebox, that just might happen! To see the boys dance, go to Icebox.com and click on “Independents.” Then you can watch the short and offer glowing critical praise.

Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

We know that all who went to Ottawa are clammoring for more pictures, so here you go: an inspired piece of artwork, a group shot of the gang, and a token Adrian picture.

Click to see the larger photos!

Ottawa Underground by Ryan DeClerk The Animatus Team Sleeping Adrian gets a nice view.

Animatus Studio and Single Wing Productions have finished production on “When Football Was Bigger Than Life,” a 75 minute documentary. The video focuses on the golden age of high school football, specifically Aquinas Institute, “The Little Notre Dame of the East.” If you’d like to find out more about the video or purchase your own copy, visit www.AnimatusStudio.com

Have you seen the Derf the Viking website yet? Marvel at the interactive Flash elements! Meet his friends and deities! Watch him cough up his lungs!

Until next time, Fred Armstrong President Animatus Studio www.AnimatusStudio.com

]]> http://animatusstudio.com/main/2000/12/animatus-news-december-2000/feed/ 0 http://animatusstudio.com/main/2000/11/animatus-news-november-2000/ http://animatusstudio.com/main/2000/11/animatus-news-november-2000/#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2000 17:59:08 +0000 mike http://animatusstudio.com/main/?p=265

Many thanks to those who made this year’s Ottawa festival so enjoyable.

It was a week full of fun and talent. The screenings seemed to offer something for everyone: from the works of Paul Fierlinger, Gene Deitch, and George Pal, to the “bebop” retrospectives and autopsy documentaries (don’t ask). We actually had great weather for the picnic, and I believe there were significantly less “doom and gloom” pieces in competition this year. It’s inspiring to see new and different animation techniques and trade ideas with others in the field.

I hope you get a kick out of the photo album we’ve assembled. After several nights of drunken celebration, I suspect the Cartier Hotel (or the Aristocrat across the street) will not forget us anytime soon. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about Derf and our latest creations, Su and Mo.

Click to see the larger photos!

The Loki Pumpkin From Uraguay with Love Adrian, the life of the party Ryan gets his feet wet

The Two Daves of Animation El Presidente and friends Derf’s Quest Ale! Jay’s adoring public

For more on Derf, take a look at his Flash site! Or meet Su and Mo, the Lap-Dancing Bad Boys of Animation…

Until next time, Fred Armstrong President Animatus Studio www.AnimatusStudio.com

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