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
