Sunday, January 30, 2011

Inside Look: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Animation

Posted in the Los Angeles Times, January 28, 2011 3:30 pm.  Photo from Warner Bros.

After Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows earned two Oscar nominations, Director Ben Hibon sat down with the Los Angeles Times to discuss the animated sequence.  The reel was a departure from what has become the Harry Potter style used throughout the first several films.

Animated Reel from 2011 Santa Barbara Film Festival

The introduction video from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival had many people talking.  That's the video that precedes every movie.

Harry Bossert created this year's animated reel. He's a teenager from London.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SAVE THE KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION!

Dear MAP-Animaniacs,

Over the past two weeks, I have been relaying these call-to-action letters from Linda Baranski and the Lawrence Art Guild regarding Governor Sam Brownback's proposed budget for 2011. 

As you may have learned, the new Governor and other legislators are facing an enormous shortfall, a projected $550 million shortfall, for the State of Kansas this year.  Part of the Governor's proposed solution is to disband the Kansas Arts Commission.

As an organization about artists and for artists, MAPA wants you to understand what this means for members of the creative community across the Sunflower State and how losing benefits from the National Endowment for the Arts could hinder the progress of art in our region.

Dylan Dietz
Midwest Association of Professional Animators



SAVE THE KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION!

Please help us save the arts in Kansas.

Governor Sam Brownback wants to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission as a state funded agency. If he does this not only will the Arts Commission not receive funding from the state, they will lose almost $800,000 in National Endowment for the Arts funds as well as other funding opportunities.

It will only take two minutes to fill out and send a letter using the following website: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/issues/alert/?alertid=22477501

This website will allow you to adjust the wording in the suggested letter and will automatically send the letter to your correct legislators.

Kind regards

Linda Baranski
1109 GALLERY
Lawrence Art Guild Association
1109 Massachusetts St
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
785.856.2784
gallery@lawrenceartguild.org
http://www.lawrenceartguild.org/

FROM TOM SLOAN:
I appreciate receiving your comments in support of the Arts and state funding assistance. There are many aspects of the proposed budget with which I do not agree - K-12 and higher education funding, social safety net and water sustainability funding, and the arts program proposal.

I encourage you and your associates interested in this issue to contact Rep. Marc Rhodes, Chairman, Appropriations Committee (marc.rhoades@house.ks.gov) and ask to be informed when hearings on that part of the budget will be held and then testify in person or in writing about your concerns.  In turn, I will be working to build support among other legislators to develop a more appropriate budget.

Tom Sloan
45th District Representative

FROM MARCI FRANCISCO:

Thank you for writing me with your concerns regarding Governor Brownback's proposed elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission.

I do recognize the very difficult budget situation that the state is in. Governor Brownback's budget reduces overall state spending by $876 million, almost all of that forced by the sunset of the federal stimulus funds Kansas has received ($492 million), the reduction in federal unemployment funds ($429million), and a reduction in federal disaster relief expenditures (($133 million). He is proposing $9.2 million be saved by agency reorganization or elimination. The Governor's budget does call for an increase of 6% in state general fund expenditures of $346 million, most of which goes to Medicaid expenses, pension and debt service costs.

However I believe that the legislature must do all it can to keep the jobs we have in the state, and continue to provide for a quality of life that attracts people and businesses to Kansas. Without an adequate plan for continuing to provide a match for federal and grant funds, I am concerned about the effect that the change would have on communities across the state. At this time, I do not support elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission and would support action in the Senate to block a reorganization order.

Again, I appreciate your interest, and will try to update you as actions are taken in the legislature on this issue.

Marci Francisco
Kansas Senator, 2nd District

P.S. I have asked my secretary, Mary Ann Evertson, to add individuals from my district to my e-mail newsletter list when they first contact me. Please let us know if you do NOT want to receive my newsletter.

Thanks!

KC Filmmakers! LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES!!!

Last Chance - Call for Entries - Shorts & Features

Join our 15th celebration of indie filmmaking, Kansas City FilmFest (formerly the Jubilee). Submit your short or feature film by February 4th (received by date).

Go To our website - http://kcjubilee.org/filmfest-2011/call-for-entries/ for full details, online entry or submit through Withoutabox.

The festival this year is April 6-10. The jury is made up of senior programmers from Toronto, SXSW, Slamdance, and Sundance.

Special guests of the festival include: Elvis Mitchell, Ted Hope, Andy Anderson, and Marceil Wright. Our primary venue is the new, all digital AMC Mainstreet.

If you have any questions, call 816-678-3873 or email me - kcjub@kcjubilee.org

Thanks,

Fred Andrews
President
Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee

Monday, January 24, 2011

Eatliz used Sand Sculptures in Stop Motion



The new stop motion animation music video from art rock group Eatliz, directed by the Grammy nominated directors Yuval & Merav Nathan ("Her Morning Elegance").

This March 2011 Eatliz will be making a debut in the US and Canada, by performing at SXSW & Canadian Music Week festivals, with a full US tour following, supporting the band's new album "Teasing Nature".

"Lose This Child" is out now from Eatliz new album "Teasing Nature", out now by Anova Music. "Teasing Nature" is also available in a limited delux edition [album + Live DVD]. Buy it @ http://www.anovamusic.com/store/index...

More Eatliz at Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eatliz
Eatliz free downloads: http://www.eatliz.com/downloads
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eatlizmusic

Synopsis:
Sometimes a beach isn't just a beach. As the sun goes down over the ocean, the sand comes to life and takes on the forms of an entire mini eco-system of aquatic life. Sea turtles are born, eels emerge to pursue their prey and Mother Earth orchestrates it all.

Credits:
Directors: Yuval & Merav Nathan - http://www.onewingfly.com/
Animators: Yuval Nathan, Guy Ben Shetrit, Moshe Zilbernagel, Talia Tzur
Grip and Rig: Rafi Nathan
Script: Yuval and Merav Nathan, Nadav Ben Simon, Guy Ben shetrit

DIVE Adds VFX Artist Rodas to Creative Team

by Cow News Droid on Jan 24, 2011 at 11:37:11 am
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--January 24, 2011) DIVE, the film finishing division of Shooters Inc., has recently expanded its creative team, hiring Ruben Rodas as Paint Artist.

Rodas’ most recent work for DIVE includes 2D paint work on director Matt Reeves’ “Let Me In”, M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender”, and Doug Liman’s “Fair Game”.

Rodas hails from Santa Maria, CA and most recently worked at CafĂ© FX where his 2D paint and rotoscoping talent graced such blockbusters as “Alice in Wonderland”, “The Kite Runner”, “Spider-Man 3” and “Sin City”. His background also includes work on films such as “Seven Pounds”, “Nim’s Island”, “Snakes on a Plane”, “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl”.

His accomplishments include paint and compositing work on “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, “King Kong”, “Danika” and “The Final Destination”. Rodas also has experience in broadcast content as evident in his work for Eden FX on the NBC series “The Cape”.

“Ruben is a great addition to our team,” says DIVE’s Compositing Supervisor Ed Mendez. “Besides being one of the nicest guys I know, his combination of film experience and artistic skills adds an advanced level of paint and compositing to DIVE, allowing us to work on even more complex and intricate paint reconstruction VFX shots.”

Rodas is particularly energized by Shooters’ unique three-division structure of broadcast advertising, film finishing and visual effects, and content development.

DIVE and its parent company Shooters, open production possibilities to a wider audience,” says Rodas. “I'm very excited to work for a company which produces competitively, has the capabilities to assist film visual effects production from beginning to end, and even offers sound and finishing support. The creative team at Shooters and DIVE is nothing less than amazing, and it’s a great privilege to work with such brilliant minds.”

About DIVE:
Based in Philadelphia, PA, DIVE ( http://www.divevisual.com/ ), is the visual effects, DI and film finishing division of Shooters Inc., led by veteran Visual Effects Supervisor Mark O. Forker. As one of the east coast’s premier post production facilities for film finishing services, DIVE offers filmmakers the opportunity to complete Visual Effects, Digital Intermediates and Titles by coupling creative continuity with an integrated workflow. For more information contact DIVE VP Business Development Bob Lowery (bob@divevisual.com) or Executive Producer Andy Williams (andy@divevisual.com ) at 267.514.7700.

About Shooters, Inc.:
Shooters Inc. ( http://www.shootersinc.com/ ) blends talent, technology and client service to provide a superior level of quality and creativity. Shooters’ client base consists of ad agencies, production companies, filmmakers, television and cable networks, political consultants, PR firms, and corporations. Capabilities include Spirit 2K film transfer w/ Bones data, da Vinci 2k Plus w/Colorist Toolbox; Resolve Digital Cinema Suite, six Inferno/Smoke2k suites, nine Avid non-linear edit, four final cut suites, CGI and graphic design, Flame, three surround sound audio suites, audio recording studio, film, HD and video crews and studio. Shooters offers these services in SD, HD, 2K, 4k, RED and Viper. Shooters also has a content division, ShootersTV, that produces Food Network’s “Dinner: Impossible”, “Restaurant: Impossible” and “Food Feuds”, as well as a visual effects, Digital Intermediate and film finishing division, DIVE ( http://www.divevisual.com/ ).

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

STATE OF KANSAS TO LOSE $778,300 IN FEDERAL FUNDING



TOPEKA, Kan. – The National Endowment for the Arts has determined that the State of Kansas will lose all federal partnership funds –  $778,300 – if the Kansas Arts Commission is no longer a state agency and funds are not matched by the state. The financial stability of Kansas arts organizations in funding by the Commission is also at risk. 

On January 12, Governor Sam Brownback released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 with plans to issue executive reorganization orders to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission.

“The Governor’s proposal may save the state $574,642 in the short term,” said Henry Schwaller, chairman of the Kansas Arts Commission. “But elimination of this state agency will have a ripple effect on other sectors of the economy, and Kansas will actually lose money.”

In addition to the loss of federal funds, the Mid-America Arts Alliance will no longer partner with the Kansas Arts Commission – the state will lose additional grants and services from its partner, valued at $437,767.

“The Kansas nonprofit arts and cultural sector is a $153.5 million industry, supporting over 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generating over $15 million in state and local government revenues,” Schwaller said.

“These revenues will decrease as arts organizations cut programs and services.”
In Fiscal Year 2011, the state spent .29 cents per capita on the arts. If the Governor’s proposal is accepted, the state will spend .07 cents per person — far less than any other state in the nation (California, ranked 50th, spends .12 cents per person).

“If Kansas loses federal funding, the NEA will grant these funds to other states, strengthening their economic competitiveness and weakening ours,” said Llewellyn Crain, executive director of the Kansas Arts Commission.

“Cities thrive, grow, attract and retain businesses when the arts are supported, she said. “Investment in the arts increases the capacity of Kansas cities to build tourism and broaden their tax base.”

The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the State of Kansas and the National Endowment for the Arts, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives.

For more information on the Kansas Arts Commission, please visit the KAC website at http://arts.ks.gov/.

Downey, Jr. Could Lend Voice Mr. Peabody in Animated Film


Original article by Corinne Heller, OnTheRedCarpet.com; posted January 18, 2011

DreamWorks Animation plans to release the on-screen adaptation of Mr. Peabody and Sherman, based on the famous Rocky & Bullwinkle characters of the 50’s and 60’s.  The studio signed Robert Downey, Jr. to voice the beloved brained canine in a film scripted by Jeffrey Ventimilia and Joshua Sternin, who wrote for The Simpsons

“Certainly for Boomers, they’re in the sweet spot of our childhood animation memories, but beyond there it gets a little bit, well, not quite as familiar,” director Rob Minkoff told ET.


The movie is set for release in 3D in 2014 according to Entertainment Weekly.

Save the Arts in Kansas!


Governor Sam Brownback has proposed elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission in July 2011, and for the KAC to become a private, nonprofit with limited state funding.

Kansas will lose:

• $778,300 in direct funding from the National Endowment for the Arts
• $437,767 in indirect grants and services from Mid-America Arts Alliance, the Kansas Arts Commission's regional partner

His budget proposal must move through the legislature. Contact your legislators to tell them to maintain the Kansas Arts Commission as a state agency and to maintain funding at the current level.

Response Statement from the KAC
How You Can Help
Contact Your Elected Officials

Because of this uncertainty, the Kansas Arts Commission has suspended all Fiscal Year 2012 programming, including grant programs. The agency will continue to operate its Fiscal Year 2011 programs, including grants, the Governor’s Arts Awards and Poetry Out Loud, until June 30, 2011. For new developments, please check our website daily.

Dear Art Guild Members and Friends,
 
Obviously the above announcement is of great concern to all of us. Please take the time to fight for the arts in Kansas! This year the Lawrence Art Guild received grants amounting to approx. $3,000 to help us with our ongoing programs: Guest speakers, Art in the Park (generating over $90,000 in sales for artists last year as well as drawing crowds close to 7,000), Holiday Art Fair (generating over $25,000 in sales for artists and drawing crowds of close to 2,000), gallery exhibits and also a special grant supporting the Robert Ault Retrospective in celebration of Kansas' 150th birthday (ongoing at 1109 Gallery at this time).

Grants from the Kansas Arts Commission have been vital for the survival of many small arts organizations across the state. Don't let the state of Kansas be one of the very few states in the United States to have state funding cut completely for the arts.

E-mail, write or call your representatives, senators and congressional leaders. Visit https://governor.ks.gov to e-mail Governor Brownback.

Sincerely,

Linda D. Baranski, Director
1109 Gallery
http://www.lawrenceartguild.org/

HOT JOB ALERT!

Title: CG Character Modeler - The Penguins of Madagascar
Location: Burbank, CA
Company: MTV Networks
Channel: Nickelodeon

Description:
The Nickelodeon Animation Studio is looking for a CG Modeler. The CG Modeler should have 2-4 years of industry experience in film, broadcast, and/or games (Not Mandatory). The ideal candidate should be an artist who is familiar with creating characters. A great "can do" attitude and open-mindedness to non-traditional solutions is essential. We are looking for individuals who have extensive knowledge, experience and skill sets implementing the following into a Maya production pipeline:

Work with the Modeling Lead Artist to create models for characters, character blend shapes, and character UV unwraps.

Create high quality and detailed character assets based on show requirements. Includes being flexible to adapt from one modeling style to another.

Candidate should have a fundamental knowledge of modeling both organic and hard surface characters, create rig friendly topology for the character’s needs, achieving desired aesthetics within the allowed polygon count, and efficiently translate the character from 2D to 3D.
  • Aid in the research, development and implementation of methods and techniques.
  • Simple knowledge of rigging, cluster creation, simple joint setup etc is a plus
  • Complete tasks within the time allotted. 
To apply for this position, you must submit your resume online and submit a reel directly to the animation studio. Before we can review your reel, you must fill-out a portfolio release form.

To download the form please go to: http://nas.nick.com/SubmissionReleaseForm.pdf

Mail the completed form along with your reel to:
Attn. Reel Submissions, 231 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91502.

Please include a cover letter and resume stating the position or positions to which you are applying. Please note, reels will not be returned.

Thank you for your interest in Nickelodeon Animation Studios!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Tornado Alley 7



Winnie's Back Sounding Bad, But Looking Good

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures
There's a new "Winnie the Pooh" film slated for release this July.

Once you get past the wrong-sounding voices and unbelievably horrible music, you'll see reason to celebrate.






It stays true to the look of the cartoons we all remember and love.  I don't know if the heffalumps and woozles will be making an appearance, but we can keep our fingers crossed.


I'm going to be talking about Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere" and Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" over on theresidentfilmsnob soon.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Kansas Arts Commission to Offer Artist Business Development Program


For more information contact:
Robyn Horton
Communications Manager
785/368-6542


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 5, 2011

700 SW Jackson Street, Ste. 1004

Topeka, Kansas 66603-3774
                                                               
KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION TO OFFER  ARTIST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Arts Commission, in partnership with KCArtistLink and Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, announce the names of participants of an eight-week seminar program available to Kansas artists.

The seminar, Artist, INC, addresses the specific business needs and challenges artists of all disciplines face every day. Artists will gather once a week for eight weeks in Wichita to learn business skills specific to their small business and apply those skills cooperatively with their peers. The seminar takes place from January 22 - March 12, 2011, at Wichita State University’s Devlin Hall.

Participants from Wichita are: Collin Allen, Connie Bonfy, Chris Brunner, Robert Burdette, Jana Durfee, Rebecca Hoyer, Kevin Kelly, Kyle Kolkovich, Heather Meeds, Kevin Mullins, Lisa Rundstrom, Fernando Salazar, Joseph D. Steffes, Max Stewart, Mark Toland, Donald Vine and Casey Wohletz.

Participants from other Kansas cities are: Teressa Sliger, Benton; David James Christiansen, Clearwater; John McCluggage, Douglass; Brian Lingle, Hutchinson; Ashley Davis, Lawrence; Norma Lynn Nicks, Maize; Rachel Epp Buller, Newton; and Michelle Meade, Salina.

Artist facilitators who mentor the participants are: Danette Baker, Ed Baker, Constance Ernatt, Adam Hartke and Ann Resnick, all from Wichita.

Participating artists will gain:
  • Tools and skills in arts planning, marketing, finance, law, and technology;
  • An increased knowledge of and ability to access local and national art business resources;
  • A strategic plan for pursuing, marketing and sustaining their art; and
  • A network of cross-discipline, diverse artists to provide peer learning and support into the future. 
    For questions about the program, please call 866/433-0688 (toll free) or 785/296-3335, or e-mail kac@arts.ks.gov.
Artist, INC was developed and is presented through a unique partnership of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, Charlotte Street Foundation and the Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center through their KCArtistLink initiative.  KCArtistLink is part of the Creative Communities program of Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC), funded by the Ford Foundation.  For additional information please go to http://www.KCArtistLink.com/ArtistINC.

The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the State of Kansas and the National Endowment for the Arts, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives. For more information on the Kansas Arts Commission, please visit the KAC website at http://arts.ks.gov/.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

SIGGRAPH 2011 Art Gallery & Art Papers Deadline Jan. 14

SIGGRAPH 2011, in collaboration with Leonardo/ISAST, features not only artists and artwork, but also the processes and theoretical frameworks for making art and contextualizing its place in society. Art Papers explore the changing roles of artists and the methods of art-making in our increasingly networked and computationally mediated world. Art Papers present excellent ideas in accessible ways. They inform artistic disciplines, set standards, and stimulate future trends.

In addition to core topics related to digital arts and interactive techniques, Art Papers can also explore the theme of SIGGRAPH 2011's juried Art Gallery: Tracing Home.

Authors present Art Papers in 20-minute sessions with five minutes of Q&A. The papers will be organized in six categories: Project Description, Thematic Survey, Application, Monograph (only if the author is no longer active), Design Methods, or Position Paper. They will be published in a special issue of Leonardo, The Journal of the International Society of the Arts, Sciences and Technology. The issue also includes visual documentation of the works exhibited in the Art Gallery. Publication of this third special issue coincides with SIGGRAPH 2011.


The full schedule of accepted Art Papers will be available in early June.

ArtsKC January News


Come one, Come all to the GREATEST ArtsKC Awards Luncheon on Earth!

Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up and reserve your seats at the Greatest ArtsKC Awards Luncheon on Earth!
Event Date: Friday, January 28th
Showtime: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Venue: The enclosed stage at Starlight Theater

Don't delay! Click HERE to reserve your seats today or call 816-994-9223. (Individual seats start at $75.)]

For more information about ArtsKC Award Honorees, Dazzling & Daring Featured Visual Artist and Death Defying Performers, click here.


Inspiration Grants Awarded to Eight KC Artists
The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City Board of Directors approved $6,219 in new ArtsKC Fund Inspiration Award funding for eight projects by local artists. These awards mark the final round of Inspiration awards for the 2010 grant cycle, bringing the total of all Inspiration awards made this year to $19,969.

"We are very pleased to support work by another group of Kansas City's talented and highly productive artists," said Harlan Brownlee, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. "Their imagination and creativity bring an energy and vitality to this community that is irreplaceable, and we are lucky to have them here."

For more information on this cycle's recipients, please click here.

To view the full press release, click here.


5th Annual ArtsKC Fund Campign Kicks Off Soon
The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City will launch its 2011 ArtsKC Fund Campaign on January 28th, 2011. The ArtsKC Fund campaign is currently in its fifth year and benefits more than 100 arts organizations, arts programs and artists in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Last year alone, thanks to the support of over 70 participating companies across the metropolitan area, the fund provided over $420,000 worth of support to our local arts community, organizations and individuals.

This year the ArtsKC Fund goal is to raise $440,000, and you can help!

Giving has never been easier!  Choose from the following options:
  • Payroll Deduction - (pledge forms available from your Workplace Giving Employee Campaign Manager)
  • On-line at www.ArtsKC.org
  • Credit Card - one time or installment payments
  • Personal Check
Increase employee morale and creativity - host a workplace giving campaign! Companies interested in hosting an ArtsKC Fund Employee Giving Campaign may sign up now through May 2011 by contacting the Arts Council office at 816-221-1777.

ArtsKC Awards Performers Announced
The ArtsKC Awards has become one of Kansas City's most popular events. Selling out to crowds of over 500 business, civic, and arts leaders, the event features some of the metro area's finest visual and performing arts talent. This year for the 8th annual ArtsKC Awards Luncheon on January 28, 2011 from 11: 00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. we are proud to announce the following four performers:

Voler Thieves of Flight, an edgy and experimental collaboration of aerial dance and acrobatics, comprised of various performing artists from the Kansas City area. Performances are an exciting display of skill, athleticism, coordination, and flexibility. Photo credit above: Lisa Sorenson www.thievesofflight.com

Kansas City Ballet, a 25-member professional ballet company, performs three mixed repertory seasons per year as well as the ever-popular Nutcracker. The ballet reaches over 15,000 Kansas City students and adults each year through its community education programs, and provides dance training through the Kansas City Ballet School. Photo credit above: Steve Wilson www.kcballet.org

Luna Breeze, a cirque hoop dancer, integrates modern and contemporary dance forms, creating non-conventional hoop dance choreography that focuses on the magic of illusion and the interaction between the hoop and her body. Photo credit above: Philip Koenig www.lunabreezeperformance.com

Paul Mesner Puppets, a theatrical puppet company, presents classic stories recast in contemporary terms. Audiences across the United States have delighted in the precise craftsmanship, dynamic presentation and joyful blending of humor and education in all of their productions. www.paulmesnerpuppets.org Photo above courtesy of Paul Mesner Puppets.

To learn more about the ArtsKC Awards or to reserve your seat today, click here.

2011 Kansas City FilmFest Submission Deadline - 01/15/2011

For Online Submissions: Click Here
If not entering online, mail:
  • DVD (region 1) of entry,
  • Completed and signed application form (if completed online, include copy).
  • Check/money order payable to the KC Jubilee, if not paying by credit card online.
  • Mail to: Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, 4826 W. 77th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208-4321.
Event:
The Kansas City FilmFest is the new combined festival of the KC Filmmakers Jubilee and FilmFestKC. It celebrates the creativity and hard work of filmmakers in the KC area and from around the world. It is a juried showcase of films and media, seminars, panels and receptions to be presented April 6-10, 2011.
Eligibility:
US / International Short Films Division – Open
  • Anyone, any age, any country is welcome to enter.
  • Work will be classified as a competitive or non-competitive entry at the sole discretion of the Jubilee.
  • No public screening should have been held in the KC Metro Area.
  • Instructional, institutional, industrial/corporate, promotional or marketing works are NOT eligible.
  • The Jubilee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any work, reject any submission, and rule on cases not foreseen by these guidelines.
  • Submission of the entry form implies acceptance of the Rules and Regulations by all producers, directors and/or their agents submitting material.
Heartland Open
  • Any resident of Missouri or Kansas, any age.
  • Work will be classified as a competitive or non-competitive entry at the sole discretion of the Jubilee.
  • No public screening in the KC Metro Area between January 1 and April 10, 2011 (not including cast & crew only screenings) to be eligible for prizes.
  • Instructional, institutional, industrial/corporate, promotional or marketing works are NOT eligible.
  • The Jubilee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any work, reject any submission, and rule on cases not foreseen by these guidelines.
Heartland Student
  • Any resident of Missouri or Kansas, any age.
  • Fulltime college (undergrad or graduate), high school or middle school students in school outside MO or KS.
  • Fulltime students in school outside MO or KS area must have a parent or guardian living in MO or KS.
  • Work will be classified as a competitive or non-competitive entry at the sole discretion of the Jubilee.
  • No public screening in the KC Metro Area between January 1 and April 10, 2011 (not including cast & crew only screenings).
  • Instructional, institutional, industrial/corporate, promotional or marketing works are NOT eligible.
  • The Jubilee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any work, reject any submission, and rule on cases not foreseen by these guidelines.
CinemaJAZZ Division – Open
  • Anyone, any age, any country is welcome to enter.
  • Work will be classified as a competitive or non-competitive entry at the sole discretion of the Jubilee.
  • No public screening should have been held in the KC Metro Area.
  • Instructional, institutional, industrial/corporate, promotional or marketing works are NOT eligible.
  • The Jubilee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any work, reject any submission, and rule on cases not foreseen by these guidelines.
  • Submission of the entry form implies acceptance of the Rules and Regulations by all producers, directors and/or their agents submitting material. The Jubilee reserves the right to reject any submission.
Genres
Fiction (drama / comedy), experimental, animation, documentary, music video. Fiction, experimental or animated works may be original or adapted from a previous published source. All footage must be original. Documentaries may include footage from other sources. Experimental works should have NO narrative thread. Music videos should have all releases and clearances.
Judging
Judging: Preliminary Judging will be completed in February 2011. Final judging will occur in April 2011. Applicants will be informed of the screening status of their project no later than February 28, 2011.
Prizes
  • “Best of Fest” selected from the first place short films of each genre of the Heartland and US/International Divisions, and the Best Student Film.
  • “First place” or “Best of” category will be awarded in each genre and division for shorts and features. Special mention recognition can also be conferred by the juries.
  • Prize values to be determined depending on available prize sponsors.
Submission Guidelines
  • Judging formats : DVD / Region 1 (formatted in MPEG video Region 1/North America) only. NEW this year – Upload your screener in digital format. It will be encoded and made secure for viewing only by festival personnel. For complete info see details at www.kcjubilee.org. Uploading will also save you on shipping and $5 on entry fee listed below.
  • Exhibition formats: 35 mm, digital file or Blu-ray( NO PAL)
  • Works in progress will NOT be considered for or screened at Kansas City FilmFest.
  • Receipt Deadlines & Fees: All work must be completed and received no later than February 4, 2011. NO FEE WAIVERS!
Deadlines/Fees:
US/International Open
Withoutabox
  • September 15, 2010: $20 Shorts / $40 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $35 Shorts / $60 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $40 Shorts / $70 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $50 Shorts / $80 Features
Standard
  • September 15, 2010: $25 Shorts / $45 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $40 Shorts / $65 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $45 Shorts / $75 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $55 Shorts / $85 Features
Heartland Open
Withoutabox
  • September 15, 2010: $20 Shorts / $30 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $25 Shorts / $40 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $35 Shorts / $50 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $45 Shorts / $60 Features
Standard
  • September 15, 2010: $25 Shorts / $35 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $30 Shorts / $45 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $40 Shorts / $55 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $50 Shorts / $65 Features
Heartland Student – College
Withoutabox
  • September 15, 2010: $10
  • December 15, 2010: $15
  • January 15, 2011: $20
  • February 4, 2011: $25
Standard
  • September 15, 2010: $15
  • December 15, 2010: $20
  • January 15, 2011: $25
  • February 4, 2011: $30
CinemaJAZZ Open
Withoutabox
  • September 15, 2010: $20 Shorts / $40 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $35 Shorts / $60 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $40 Shorts / $70 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $50 Shorts / $80 Features
Standard
  • September 15, 2010: $25 Shorts / $45 Features
  • December 15, 2010: $40 Shorts / $65 Features
  • January 15, 2011: $45 Shorts / $75 Features
  • February 4, 2011: $55 Shorts / $85 Features
Completion Date: Film or Video must have been completed since January 1, 2009.
Foreign Language Films: All works must be in English, subtitled or dubbed in English.
Rights & Clearances: Filmmaker must secure all rights, licenses, clearances and releases necessary for exhibition and sign the entry form.
Multiple entries: Separate entry form for each submission. One entry per DVD. Labeled with title, running time, director’s name.
Returns: All entry materials become the property of the KC Filmmakers Jubilee and will NOT be returned. No refunds. By submitting this material you acknowledge the Jubilee’s right to copy any submitted material for the Jubilee’s non-commercial use only.
Agreements
If your film or video is accepted for screening at the FilmFest, you agree to and understand the following:
Format: You agree to provide the festival an exhibition copy of the entry on the format indicated on the entry form. If your exhibition format is DVD, Blu-ray or digital file, it must be received by March 1, 2011 so we can make the program reels. Film prints must be sent to arrive by April 1, 2011.
Shipping: You are responsible for the arrangements and cost of shipping the exhibition copy to the Jubilee. The Jubilee will pay for outgoing shipping. The Jubilee will not pay for the cost of overnight shipping.
Publicity: Upon request, you will supply the Jubilee with stills and other press materials. You should be available for interviews prior to and during the Jubilee.
Loss & Damage: Every precaution will be taken to safeguard films, videos and publicity materials while they are in the possession of the Jubilee. However if loss or damage occurs, the Jubilee cannot accept or assume responsibility.

Register Now for Art+Copy Clio Reel Party

While the Art+Copy CLIO Reel Party is an annual event, it's never at the same place and boasts a different attitude every time. Come and enjoy an entertaining and informative celebration of some of the best work of 2010.  About the awards, via CLIOawards.com...
"The CLIO Awards is the world's most recognized global awards competition for advertising, design, interactive and public relations. For over five decades, the CLIO Awards has maintained its original commitment to celebrate and reward creative excellence, honoring a powerful form of communication and its impact on modern culture. At the same time, the CLIO Awards remains focused on evolving with the industry in order to acknowledge the most current, breakthrough work. CLIO's iconic statue is the most widely recognized and coveted symbol of the industry's creative accomplishments."

Join us as we gather to get our drink on and to network, discuss and enjoy award-winning creative work from around the world...a great warm-up for the Kansas City ADDY Awards in February!
Program Details:
 
 
January 13, 2011
The Vox Theatre ~ 1405 Southwest Boulevard ~ Kansas City, MO (Map)
5:30pm Networking ~ 6:30pm CLIO Reel Presentation
Members: $10
Non-Members:  $20
Member Walk-Up Price: $15
Non-Member Walk-Up Price: $25

Register now so you don't have
to pay the higher walk-up price!
Student Member Price: FREE
Student Non-Member Price: $5
NOTE: Students will not be able to register online.
Contact the AAF-KC office at 816-822-0300 or
sarah@aafkc.com to register.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

"The Illusionist" Kansas City Theatrical Release Date Announced!

At last, we know when we here in Kansas City will be able to see Sylvain Chomet latest film, "The Illusionist."
Photo courtesy: Sony Pictures Classics
It will see a limited release on February 4th, 2011.

To celebrate, here's a clip from the film of the title character performing his craft for a bunch of unappreciative, drunken louts.

For more reviews, movie crap and, coming soon, a list of the 10 best films in 2010, come see me your Resident Film Snob.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Tornado Alley 6

Yay! Cartoon Trailers! "Rango"

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures
We're still waiting on a Kansas City release date for "The Illusionist."  It looks like it will be probably coming out some time this month.
In the meantime, please enjoy the trailer for "Rango."  It's not hand-drawn, but it still looks entertaining.

My friends, I plan to tell you all about my Christmas, which, from my "Batman: Under the Red Hood" DVD to "Dead Rising 2," was centered around all things animated.

That will come soon.

For other reviews, including "Rabbit Hole," "All Good Things," and soon "Black Swan," head over and visit your Resident Film Snob.

Peace.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Vote NOW for AAF-KC Member of Year!


AAF-KC Member of the Year, ad2 Member of the Year and Art+Copy Member of the Year nominations have been made. Now it will be your turn to vote on which of the three deserving individuals from each group should win this annual recognition to be awarded at the ADDYS on Saturday, February 19.


Rules for Voting: You must be an AAF-KC, ad2, or Art+Copy Club member to vote for the prospective Member of the Year for that group. You must be a member in good standing with all dues up to date. You may only vote for 1 person in each category (if you are voting in multiple catgories) and you may only vote 1 time. Voting will be open until 5pm on Monday, January 10, so vote NOW!

Congratulations to all nine of these awesome members!

Nominees with short personal bios are:

AAF-KC Member of the Year Nominees:

Sheree Johnson/Nicholson Kovac
Sheree has been an active member of the KC and national advertising community for numerous years. She joined the AAF-KC board last year, her second stint as a board of director, serving on the Communications team managing the weekly

e-Newsletter and ongoing e-mail communications. In addition to her communications’ role, last year during the board’s long-term strategic planning meeting, she identified the need to revise the AAF-KC Bylaws and managed this task from writing the revisions to securing final membership approval. And with the launch of the new AAFKC.com website, she is working with the communications team on the launch of a new weekly e-newsletter – KC Ad Briefs. Sheree is Senior Vice President with Nicholson Kovac, where she primarily manages Media and Market Research and is a member of NK’s executive committee and management team.

John Kreicbergs/Digital Evolution Group
John is an eleven year veteran of the Kansas City advertising scene. Getting his start at Bernstein-Rein in 1999, John has also served stints at both Barkley and VML. Currently he is a consultant with Digital Evolution Group in Overland Park. John has been a member of the AAF-KC board since 2008, serving this year as Vice President/Communications and leading an all-star team of social media, email, PR and general communications professionals. This “who’s who” of KC advertising rockstars has been responsible for the complete revamp of club communications over the past few months, including the recent re-launch of AAFKC.com.

Chris O'Connor/Liquid 9
Chris saw a major flaw in the sponsorship system, found a way to turn the status quo on its head and do a complete 180 in order to benefit both the Club and its membership. He told those who resisted to have a little faith. He asked us to be patient and trust in the process - sometimes hard to get a bunch of impatient, impulsive, A.D.D-ridden, ad-freaks to sit still and do this. But in the end, his vision and hard work has completely paid off and all are benefiting. Chris O’Connor has been dedicated to the AAF KC over the past few years, but in particular has made multiple contributions in the past12 months. Chris has really stepped up to the plate to create a sponsorship program that was much needed. He has given many hours to the organization to see it thrive in this economy.

VOTE FOR AAF-KC MEMBER OF THE YEAR HERE

ad2 Member of the Year Nominees:

Chelsea Fitch/Barkley
Chelsea Fitch (you might know her better as @chelseathebaker) has been closely involved in ad2 and AAF-KC for about three years, at first volunteering for event committees like Art of the Deal and Ad Wars, where she led sponsorship committees for both events in 2009, acquiring over $3K in sponsorships and $4K in silent auction donations. She has been serving on ad2’s Council the last two years, at first as Membership Director and most currently as Communications Director. This year she spearheaded the process of evaluating all events put on by AAF-KC, ad2 and Art+Copy Club, in hopes to give the members (you) programs they truly get value from. Facing unemployment recently, she really felt the benefit of being a member by the mounds of support she got from everyone she met through AAF and ad2.

Stephanie Parker/Barkley
Stephanie Parker (you may know her as Stephanie Scherer) has been an active AAF-KC member since 2006. At the first Addys she attended in 2007, she promised her boss that someday she would be the ad2 member of the year walking across the stage. Since then, Stephanie has worked toward that goal by being involved in many events including Virtual Agency, presenting at the 2009 Addys, and 2010 AAF-KC Strategic Planning. Stephanie served on the ad2 council as the 2009 Social Chair and is currently the Career Day Co-Chair. Stephanie makes AAF-KC a stronger organization by encouraging participation from members and volunteers and through leading by example.

Misty Stocksdale/Barkley Blacktop
If you don’t know Misty, you’ve been hiding in a closet for the last several years. Sure, she’s the current ad2 president, but she’s been an active ad2 member and has been involved with (if not in charge of) most ad2 events since 2008. She helped achieve a record-setting Career Day in 2009. She has helmed Ad Wars and worked tirelessly for AOTD and ADDY. She’s a student mentor as well and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So come out of the closet and vote for Misty. (Written by a fellow AAF-KC member because Misty’s too classy to talk about herself.)

VOTE FOR ad2 MEMBER OF THE YEAR HERE

Art+Copy Club Member of the Year Nominees:

Aaron Cathey/VML
In his six years as an Art+Copy Club Board Member Aaron has worked as Secretary, Communications chair and most recently as Education chair helping to orchestrate Career Day. He’s also the acting Vice President of Art+Copy Club. Plus, he helped create the new AAFKC website which is hopefully live as you read this. Oh, and he fights for your rights every single day. He believes in hard work, risky business, doing what’s right not what’s easy, hugs, the power of love and not using more words than necessary.

Jeremy Johnson/GlynnDevins
Serving as President of Art+Copy Club for his second term, Jeremy has been instrumental in overseeing two positive and profitable years of the organization. His leadership skills have been utilized during the successful transition of a new director and long-term planning for the club. In addition to helping bring high-profile speakers and programs to the area, Jeremy also helped oversee the launch of the new AAF-KC website and has helped create more synergy within AAF-KC. His family also deserves a nomination for letting him attend a plethora of after-hours meetings.Jeremy has been with GlynnDevins for 10 years and holds the title of Associate Creative Director.

Adam Seitz/Bernstein-Rein
With over a decade of interactive creative direction, design, development and strategy experience, Adam has a unique talent for bridging the gap between visual flair and technical functionality. As Communications Chair for Art+Copy Club he has served as a mentor to professionals entering the field, spoken regularly regarding interactive media, juried national award shows and helped to launch the new AAF-KC website. Adam is an Interactive Creative Director at Bernstein-Rein and Professor of Interactive Media at JCCC. He attended KU and received his degree in Communication Design from JCCC where he sits on the Interactive Media Advisory Committee.

VOTE FOR ART+COPY CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR HERE

Blog Archive

Contributors

Followers