DNEG Groups AI and content technology Brahma division has just announced its acquisition of Metaphysic, a leading developer of AI content creation technologies. The acquisition, handled as a merger, is designed to accelerate Brahmas development of AI-powered products for enterprise, IP rights-holders, and content creators across industries to create high quality content at scale.According to the company, the valuation of Brahma following the transaction is US$1.43 billion. Leading Abu Dhabi-based investor United Al Saqer Group (UASG) will invest a further US$25 million into Brahma on the heels of its US$200 million strategic investment in the DNEG Group in 2024. Metaphysics existing investors, including Liberty Global, S32, Rakuten Capital, TO Ventures and 8VC will become shareholders in Brahma. Brahma now plans to develop foundational AI, data, and content workflow technologies as part of a comprehensive suite of AI-native products designed to create user-customized content across video, image, and audio. Post transaction, Brahmas global team will include more than 800 engineers and creative technologists, bringing together the DNEG Groups creative technology portfolio with Metaphysics AI technology, as well as the CLEAR purpose-built AI platform for rapid in-house AI development, and Zivas award-winning technology for the creation of digital human and character simulations.This announcement comes on the heels of Ziva being recognized with a 2025 SciTech Award by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, as well as Metaphysics AI neural performance toolset being honored at the Visual Effects Society Awards with the Emerging Technology Award. Brahmas executive management team is led by Executive Chairman Prabhu Narasimhan; Founder and CEO of the DNEG Group Namit Malhotra, who continues as interim CEO of Brahma; and Metaphysic CEO Thomas Graham, who also serves as President of Brahma. Post transaction, Graham will become Brahma CEO.Prime Focus Technologies CEO & Cofounder Ramki Sankaranarayanan will also become President of CLEAR; DNEG Group CTO Paul Salvini will also serve as CTO of Brahma; and Ziva Director of Character Tools and Workflows Crawford Doran will become Vice President of Ziva.With Brahma, we are taking DNEGs multiple Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation toolsets and marrying them with the incredible power of generative AI to create a suite of AI content products, including what we believe will be the industrys leading photorealistic AI video creator, said Narasimhan. I am excited to take Brahma from a niche user base focused on high-end movie and TV production to enterprise and content creators across every industry. If you have the imagination and a story to tell, we have the tools to bring your story to life faster, cheaper, and better.Brahma offers every business a strategy for generative AI content creation, from owning their data to delivering amazing, user-customized AI content across video, image, and audio, said Graham. By bringing together the incredible teams at Brahma and Metaphysic, we can deliver an operating system for generative AI content that starts with securing your IP and ends with new revenue streams built on a suite of products that deliver Hollywood-quality content and experiences at unprecedented scale.Source: DNEG Group Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The Wild Robot, Wicked, Nosferatu, Fallout, and Shgun are among the winning films and TV series recognized for excellence in production design at the February 15 ceremony.

Nick Park and Merlin Crossinghams stop-motion comedy, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Denis Villeneuves gritty sci-fi drama, Dune: Part Two, were two of the big winners at last nights 2025 EEBAFTAFilm Awards in a ceremony hosted by David Tennant at The Royal Festival Hall in London. The Aardman and Netflix comedy caper took home awards for Best Animated Film as well as for Best Childrens & Family Film, while the Warner Bros. Dune sequel won for Best Special Visual Effects and Best Sound.Nina Gantzs stop-motion dark comedy short, Wander to Wonder, took home the award for Best British Short Animation, while Jon M. Chus musical adventure, Wicked, won for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.Both Dune: Part Two and Wicked each received seven nominations overall.Heres a rundown of the best films, animated films, and visual effects-driven nominees and winners (a complete list of nominees is availablehere):BEST FILMAnoraThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclave (winner)Emilia PrezOUTSTANDING BRITISH FILMBirdBlitzConclave (winner)Gladiator IIHard TruthsKneecapLeeLove Lies BleedingThe OutrunWallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlCHILDRENS & FAMILY FILMFlowKensukes KingdomWallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (winner)Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, and Rickard BeekThe Wild RobotANIMATED FILMFlowInside Out 2Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (winner)Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham, and Rickard BeekThe Wild RobotPRODUCTION DESIGNThe BrutalistConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuWicked (winner)Nathan Crowley and Lee SandalesSPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTSBetter ManDune: Part Two (winner)Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, and Rhys SalcombeGladiator IIKingdom of the Planet of the ApesWickedBRITISH SHORT ANIMATIONAdisMogs ChristmasWander to Wonder(winner)Nina Gantz, Stienette Bosklopper, Simon Cartwright, and Maarten SwartSource: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

FOXs Bobs Burgers episode, Saving Favorite Drive-In, written by Katie Crown, took the top animation award at theWriters Guild of AmericaWest (WGAW) and Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) WGA Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievement in television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional. The winners were honored this past Saturday at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.The FX/Hulu historical epic series, Shgun, took home three awards including Best Drama Series and Best New Series. HBO/Maxs DC comics-based crime drama, The Penguin, won for Best Limited Series.The complete list of winners and nominees can be foundhere. Animation and VFX-related winners are as follows:SCREENPLAY NOMINEESADAPTED SCREENPLAYA Complete Unknown, Screenplay byJames MangoldandJay Cocks, Based on the BookDylan Goes Electric!by Elijah Wald; Searchlight PicturesDune: Part 2, Screenplay byDenis VilleneuveandJon Spaihts, Based on the NovelDuneby Frank Herbert; Warner Bros. PicturesHit Man, Screenplay byRichard Linklater & Glen Powell, Based on theTexas MonthlyArticle by Skip Hollandsworth; NetflixNickel Boys, Screenplay byRaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes, Based on the BookThe Nickel Boysby Colson Whitehead; Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios (winner)Wicked, Screenplay byWinnie HolzmanandWinnie Holzman & Dana Fox, Based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, From the Novel by Gregory Maguire; Universal PicturesTELEVISION, STREAMING, AND NEWS NOMINEESANIMATIONBottle Episode (The Simpsons), Written byRob LaZebnik & Johnny LaZebnik; FoxCremains of the Day (The Simpsons), Written byJohn Frink; FoxNight of the Living Wage (The Simpsons), Written byCesar Mazariegos; FoxSaving Favorite Drive-In (Bobs Burgers), Written byKatie Crown; Fox (winner)The Tina Table: The Tables Have Tina-ed (Bobs Burgers), Written byGreg Thompson; FoxWinter Is Born (Blood of Zeus), Written byCharles Parlapanides & Vlas Parlapanides; NetflixDRAMA SERIESThe Boys, Written byGeoff Aull, Jessica Chou, Paul Grellong, Eric Kripke, Ellie Monahan, Judalina Neira, David Reed, Anslem Richardson;Prime VideoThe Diplomat, Written byPeter Ackerman, Eli Attie, Debora Cahn, Anna Hagen, Julianna Dudley Meagher, Peter Noah; NetflixFallout, Written byJake Bender, Karey Dornetto, Zach Dunn, Kieran Fitzgerald, Chaz Hawkins, Lisa Joy, Carson Mell, Jonathan Nolan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Gursimran Sandhu, Graham Wagner; Prime VideoMr. & Mrs. Smith, Written byCarla Ching, Adamma Ebo, Adanne Ebo, Donald Glover, Stephen Glover, Schuyler Pappas, Francesca Sloane, Yvonne Hana Yi; Prime VideoShgun, Written byShannon Goss, Maegan Houang, Rachel Kondo, Matt Lambert, Justin Marks, Caillin Puente, Nigel Williams, Emily Yoshida; FX/Hulu (winner)NEW SERIESEnglish Teacher, Written byBrian Jordan Alvarez, Wally Baram, Jake Bender, Emmy Blotnick, Zach Dunn, Dave King, Stephanie Koenig, Jonathan Krisel, Paul Simms, Samantha Shier; FX/HuluFallout, Written byJake Bender, Karey Dornetto, Zach Dunn, Kieran Fitzgerald, Chaz Hawkins, Lisa Joy, Carson Mell, Jonathan Nolan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Gursimran Sandhu, Graham Wagner; Prime VideoMr. & Mrs. Smith, Written byCarla Ching, Adamma Ebo, Adanne Ebo, Donald Glover, Stephen Glover, Schuyler Pappas, Francesca Sloane, Yvonne Hana Yi; Prime VideoNobody Wants This, Written byBarbie Adler, Jane Becker, Jack Burditt, Vali Chandrasekaran, Craig DiGregorio, Erin Foster, Lindsay Golder, Steven Levitan, Pat Regan, Niki Schwartz-Wright, Neel Shah, Noelle Valdivia, Ron Weiner, Ryann Werner; NetflixShgun, Written byShannon Goss, Maegan Houang, Rachel Kondo, Matt Lambert, Justin Marks, Caillin Puente, Nigel Williams, Emily Yoshida; FX/Hulu (winner)LIMITED SERIESThe Penguin, Written byVladimir Cvetko, Breannah Gibson, Erika L. Johnson, Lauren LeFranc, Corina Maritescu, Megan Martin, John McCutcheon, Shaye Ogbonna, Nick Towne, Noelle Valdivia, Kira Snyder; HBO | Max (winner)Presumed Innocent, Written byMiki Johnson, David E. Kelley, Sharr White; Apple TV+Ripley, Written bySteven Zaillian; NetflixSay Nothing, Written byClare Barron, Joe Murtagh, Kirsten Sheridan, Joshua Zetumer; FX/HuluTrue Detective: Night Country, Written byKatrina Albright, Alan Page Arriaga, Namsi Khan, Issa Lpez, Chris Mundy, Wenonah Wilms; HBO | MaxSource: WGA Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

ASIFA-Hollywood has joined forces with animation industry leadership, filmmakers, artists, and colleagues to provide relief for over 60 animation industry families who have been deeply affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.Dubbed AnimAID, the fundraising campaign kicked off at ASIFA-Hollywoods 52nd Annual Annie Awards, and will continue through the coming months, with the goal of raising $5,000,000 in support.So many people have volunteered their time, energy and passion, it is truly inspiring, said AnimAID Chairperson Sandra Rabins. This incredible community prides itself on collaboration, from the work we do to bring joy to people of all ages around the world to teaming up to lend a hand when our colleagues are in need. The display of generosity we have seen from every corner of the industry has been truly moving, and with AnimAID we plan to harness that kindness to help get those affected back up on their feet.Animation studios supporting AnimAID include: DreamWorks Animation; Illumination & Illumination Studios Paris; Mikros Animation; Netflix; Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Animation; Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Imageworks; Skydance Animation; the animation studios of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation; Warner Bros. Animation; and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.AnimAID will also host an auction this Spring in partnership with Sothebys that will include original artwork from the production of animated features and television series. The event will be accessible via an online portal to the general public.Art is at the center of what we do in animation, said AnimAID Board Director Don Hahn, and what many people dont realize is that there are hundreds of pieces of original art made during the production of an animated feature that rarely see the light of day. We are looking to tap into those archives to resurface some of that art - in addition to new, original pieces from renowned animation artists - in an effort to provide relief for those affected by the fires.Those seeking to lend support to the fundraising effort can donate here.Source: ASIFA Hollywood Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Prime Video has just confirmed that Season 3 of its epic-scaled The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is in pre-production and will begin filming this spring in the series new production home at Shepperton Studios in the UK. The streamer also announced that one new and two returning directors: Stefan Schwartz, Charlotte Brndstrm, and Sanaa Hamri.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we're thrilled that a third season is underway, said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. The creative team has an extraordinary vision of whats to come with stories that have left us enchanted and enthralled. We look forward to continuing this epic journey, for our global customers, delving even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.Brndstrm, who served as co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in Seasons 1 and 2, returns as executive producer and director for the third season. She is joined by returning director Sanaa Hamri, who helmed several episodes in Season 2, and veteran director Stefan Schwartz, new to the series. Each director will oversee multiple episodes in the upcoming season.Brndstrm's extensive directing credits include Shgun (FX), Scarpetta (Prime Video), The Outsider (HBO), The Witcher (Netflix), and The Man in the High Castle (Prime Video). Hamri, known for her work on The Wheel of Time (Prime Video) and Empire (Fox), brings extensive experience across television, music videos, and feature films, having recently directed The Bondsman (Prime Video) pilot while continuing her creative relationship with Amazon MGM Studios through an overall deal. Schwartzs credits include The Boys (Prime Video), The Walking Dead (AMC), Luther (BBC), and The Americans (FX).Led by senior visual effects supervisor Jason Smith, Season 2 VFX included work byILMfocused in London and Singapore,DNEGandRodeo FX.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, and Kate Hazell serve as executive producers; Brndstrm directs and executive produces. Matthew Penry-Davey is producer and Ally OLeary, Tim Keene, and Andrew Lee are co-producers.Source: Prime Video Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

Universal has just dropped the first full trailer for its upcoming adventure, How to Train Your Dragon, the live-action reimagining of the first film in the hugely successful animated franchise launched by DreamWorks Animation back in 2010. Its set to fly into theaters June 13, 2025.Be warned Gerard Butler is in full Scottish brogue and its fantastic! Written, produced and directed by three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winnerDean DeBlois, who along withThe Wild RobotdirectorChris Sanders, wrote and directed the original, the film is produced by three-time Oscar nominee Marc Platt (Wicked,La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive,2 Guns).Christian Manz is serving as production VFX supervisor; VFX studios on the film include Framestore and Clear Angle Studios.The film is set on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames;The Black Phone,For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker;Dumbo,The Last of Us) and the villages quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost;Snow White and the Huntsman,Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccups friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).Inspired by Cressida CowellsNew York Timesbestselling book series, DreamWorks AnimationsHow to Train Your Dragonfranchise earned four Academy Award nominations and grossed more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office.How To Train Your Dragonis part of the Filmed For IMAX Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX technology to help them deliver high-quality immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.Source: NBC Universal Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The 23rdAnnualVES Awardsjust concluded at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel, and the festivities did not dissapoint. Keanu Reeves and his ferocious beard werein the house and everyone felt the buzz.Kingdom of the Planet of the ApesDune: Part Two took home the most photoreal feature winswith four awards. The Wild RobotShgun was named best photoreal episode, winning three awards; The Penguin also garnered three awards.Coca-Cola: The Heroes topped the commercial field.Comedy duo The Sklar Brothers made their debut as VES Awards hosts. I thought they were the funniest Jewish twin comics I've ever seen. The previously mentioned John Wick starpresented Golden Globe-winning actor-producer Hiroyuki Sanada with the VES Award for Creative Excellence. Renowned computer graphics researcher Paul Debevec, VES, presented Virtual Reality/Immersive Technology Pioneer Dr. Jacquelyn Ford Morie with the Georges Mlis Award. Writer-director Michael Dougherty presented Academy Award-winning filmmaker and VFX Supervisor Takashi Yamazaki with the Visionary Award. Award presenters included: Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Krys Marshall, Mary Mouser, Russell Hornsby, Tanner Buchanan, Eric Winter, and Autodesks Senior Director, Business Strategy Rachael Appletonpresented the VES-Autodesk Student Award.This years nominees and winners are as follows - congrats to everyone!OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBetter ManLuke MillarAndy TaylorDavid ClaytonKeith HerftPeter StubbsDune: Part TwoPaul LambertBrice ParkerStephen JamesRhys SalcombeGerd NefzerKingdom of the Planet of the Apes(winner)Erik WinquistJulia NeighlyPaul StoryDanielle ImmermanRodney BurkeMufasa: The Lion KingAdam ValdezBarry St. JohnAudrey FerraraDaniel FotheringhamTwistersBen SnowMark SoperFlorian WitzelSusan GreenhowScott FisherOUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBlitzAndrew WhitehurstSona PakTheo DemirisVincent PoitrasHayley WilliamsCivil War(winner)David SimpsonMichelle RoseFreddy SalazarChris ZehJ.D. SchwalmHorizon: An American Saga Chapter 1Jason NeeseArmen FetulagianJamie NeeseJ.P. JaramilloNosferatuAngela BarsonLisa RenneyDavid ScottDave CookPavel SgnerYoung Woman and the SeaRichard BriscoeCarrie RishelJeremy RobertStphane DittooIvo JivkovOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREInside Out 2Kelsey MannMark NielsenSudeep RangaswamyBill WatralMoana 2Carlos CabralTucker GilmoreIan GoodingGabriela HernandezThe Wild Robot(winner)Chris SandersJeff HermannJeff BudsbergJacob Hjort JensenTransformers OneFrazer ChurchillFiona ChiltonJosh CooleyStephen KingUltraman: RisingHayden JonesSean M. MurphyShannon TindleMathieu VigOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODEFallout; The HeadJay WorthAndrea KnollGrant EverettJoao SitaDevin MaggioHouse of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the GoldDai EinarssonTom HortonSven MartinWayne StablesMike DawsonShgun;Anjin(winner)Michael CliettMelody MeadPhilip EngstrmEd BruceCameron WaldbauerStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 5John KnollPablo MollesJhon AlvaradoJeff CapogrecoThe Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; EldestJason SmithTim KeeneAnn PodloznyAra KhanikianRyan ConderOUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODEExpats: HomeRobert BockGlorivette SomozaCharles LabbTim EmeisLady in the Lake; It Has to Do With the Search for the MarvelousJay WorthEddie BoninJoe WehmeyerEric Levin-HatzMike MyersMasters of the Air; Part Three; The Regensburg-Schweinfurt MissionStephen RosenbaumBruce FranklinXavier Matia BernasconiDavid AndrewsNeil CorbouldThe Penguin; Bliss(winner)Johnny HanMichelle RoseGoran PavlesEd BruceDevin MaggioThe Tattooist of Auschwitz; PilotSimon GilesAlan ChurchDavid SchneiderJames HattsmithOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A REAL-TIME PROJECT[REDACTED]Fabio SilvaMatthew ShermanCaleb EssexBob KopinskyDestiny 2: The Final ShapeDave SamuelBen FabricEric GreenliefGlenn GambleStar Wars Outlaws(winner)Stephen HawesLionel Le DainBenedikt PodlesniggBogdan DraghiciWhat If? An Immersive StoryPatrick N.P. ConranShereif FattouhZain HomerJax LeeUntil DawnNicholas ChambersJack Hidde GlavimansAlex GaborOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A COMMERCIALYouTube TV NFL Sunday Ticket: The Magic of SundayChris BayolJeremy BrooksLane JollyJacob BergmanDisney; Holidays 2024Adam DroyHelen TangChristian Baker-SteeleDavid FleetVirgin Media; Walrus WhizzerSebastian CaldwellIan BerryBen CroninAlex GreyCoca-Cola; The Heroes(winner)Greg McKneallyAntonia VlastoRyan KnowlesFabrice FiteniSix Kings Slam; Call of the KingsRyan KnowlesJoe BillingtonDean RobinsonGeorge SavvasOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A SPECIAL VENUE PROJECTD23; Real-Time Rocket(winner)Evan GoldbergAlyssa FinleyJason BrenemanAlice TaylorThe Goldau Landslide ExperienceRoman KaelinGianluca RavioliFlorian BaumannMTV Video Music Awards; Slim Shady LiveJo PlaeteSara MustafaCameron JacksonAndries CourteauxTokyo DisneySea; Peter Pan's Never Land AdventureMichael Sean FoleyKirk BodyfeltDarin HollingsBert KleinMaya VyasParis Olympics Opening Ceremony; RunBenjamin Le SterGilles De LusigmanGerome ViavantRomain TinturierOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBetter Man; Robbie Williams(winner)Milton RamirezAndrea MerloSeoungseok Charlie KimEteuati TemaKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; NoaRachael DunkAndrei CovalJohn SoreNiels Peter KaagaardKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; RakaSeoungseok Charlie KimGiorgio LafrattaTim TeramotoAidan MartinMufasa: The Lion King; TakaKlaus SkovboValentina RosselliEli De KoninckAmelie TalarmainOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREInside Out 2; AnxietyAlexander AlvaradoBrianne FranciscoAmanda WagnerBrenda Lin ZhangThe Wild Robot; Roz(winner)Fabio LigniniYukinori InagakiOwen DemersHyun HuhThelma The Unicorn; Vic DiamondGuillaume ArantesAdrien MonteroAnne-Claire LerouxGaspard RocheWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl; GromitJo FentonAlison EvansAndy SymanowskiEmanuel NevadoOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTSecret Level; Armored Core: Asset Management; Mech PilotZsolt VidaPter Krucsaignes VonaEnric Nebleza PaellaDiablo IV: Vessel of Hatred; NeyrelleChris BostjanickJames MaYeon-Ho LeeAtsushi IkarashiDisney; Holidays 2024; OctopusAlex DoylePhilippe MoineLewis PickstonAndrea LacedelliRonja the Robber's Daughter; Vildvittran the Queen Harpy(winner)Nicklas AnderssonDavid AllanGustav hrenNiklas WallnOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN A PHOTOREAL FEATURECivil War; Washington, D.C.Matthew ChandlerJames HarmerRobert MooreAdrien ZeppieriDune: Part Two; The Arrakeen Basin(winner)Daniel RheinDaniel Anton FernandezMarc James AustinChristopher AnciaumeGladiator II; RomeOliver KaneStefano FarciJohn SeruFrederick ValleeWicked; The Emerald CityAlan LamSteve BevinsDeepali NegiMiguel Sanchez Lpez-RuzOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREKung Fu Panda 4; Juniper CityBenjamin LippertRyan PrestridgeSarah VawterPeter MaynezThe Wild Robot; The Forest(winner)John WakeHe Jung ParkWoojin ChoiShane GladingTransformers One; Iacon CityAlex PopescuGeoffrey LebretonRyan KirbyHussein NabeelWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl; AqueductMatt PerryDave Alex RiddettMatt SandersHoward JonesOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTDune: Prophecy; Pilot; The Imperial PalaceScott CoatesSam BesseauVincent l'HeureuxLourenco AbreuDune: Prophecy; Two Wolves; Zimia SpaceportNils WeisbrodDavid AnastacioRene BorstRuben ValenteShgun;Osaka(winner)Manuel MartinezPhil HanniganKeith MaloneFrancesco CorvinoThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Doomed to Die; EregionYordan PetrovBertrand CabrolLea DesrozierKaran DhandhaOUTSTANDING CG CINEMATOGRAPHYBetter ManBlair BurkeShweta BhatnagarTim WalkerCraig YoungDune: Part Two; Arrakis(winner)Greig FraserXin Steve GuoSandra MurtaBen WiggsHouse of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the Gold; Battle at Rook's RestMatt PerrinJames ThompsonJacob DoehnerP.J. DillonKingdom of the Planet of the Apes ; Egg ClimbDennis YooAngelo PerrottaSamantha ErickstadMiae KangOUTSTANDING MODEL IN A PHOTOREAL OR ANIMATED PROJECTAlien: Romulus; Renaissance Space Station(winner)Waldemar BartkowiakTrevor WideMatt MiddletonBen ShearmanDeadpool & Wolverine; Ant-Man ArenaCarlos Flores GomezCorinne DyChris ByrnesGerald BlaiseDune: Part Two; The Harkonnen HarvesterAndrew HodgsonTimothy RussellErik LehmannLouie ChoGladiator II; The ColosseumOliver KaneMarnie PittsCharlotte FargierLaurie PriestOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREDune: Part Two; Atomic Explosions and Wormriding(winner)Nicholas PapworthSandy la TourelleLisa NolanChristopher PhillipsKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; Burning Village, Rapids and FloodsAlex NowotnyClaude SchitterFrdric ValleurKevin KelmTwistersMatthew HangerJoakim ArnessonLaurent KermelZheng Yong OhVenom: The Last Dance; Water, Fire & Symbiote EffectsXavi Martin RamirezOscar DahlenHedi NamarYuri YangOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREKung Fu Panda 4Jinguang HuangZhao WangHamid ShahsavariJoshua LaBrotMoana 2Zoran StojanoskiJesse EricksonShamintha Kalamba ArachchiErin V. RamosThe Wild Robot(winner)Derek CheungMichael LosureDavid ChowNyoung KimUltraman: RisingGoncalo CabacaZheng Yong OhNicholas Yoon Joo KuangPraveen BoppanaOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTAvatar: The Last Airbender; Legends; KoizillaIoan BoieriuDavid StopfordPer BalaySaysana RintharamyShgun;Broken to the Fist; Landslide(winner)Dominic TiedekenHeinrich LweCharles GuertonTimmy LundinStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Pilot; Spaceship Hillside TakeoffTravis HarkleroadXiaolong PengMarcella BrownMickael RiciottiThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Shadow and Flame; Balrog Fire and Collapsing CliffKoenraad HofmeesterMiguel Perez SenentMiguel Santana Da SilvaBilly CopleyThree Body Problem; Judgement DayYves D'IncauGavin TemplerMartin ChabannesEloi Andaluz FullOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN A FEATUREBetter ManMark McNichollGordon Spencer de HasethEva SnyderMarkus ReithofferDune: Part Two; Wormriding, Geidi Prime, and the Final Battle(winner)Christopher RickardFrancesco Dell'AnnaPaul ChapmanRyan WingKingdom of the Planet of the ApesJoerg BruemmerZachary BrakeTim WalkerKaustubh A. PatilThe Wild RobotSondra L. VerlanderBaptiste Van OpstalEszter OffertalerAustin CasaleOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN AN EPISODEShgun;Broken to the Fist; Landslide(winner)Benjamin BernonDouglas RoshamnVictor KirschCharlie RaudStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 6; JawsRich GrandeTomas LefebvreIan DodmanRey ReynoldsThe Boys; Season 4; Life Among the SepticsTristan ZerafaMike StadnyckyjToshi KosakaRajeev BRThe Penguin; After HoursJonas StuckenbrockKaren ChangEugene BondarMiky GirnOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN A COMMERCIALVirgin Media; Walrus WhizzerSebastian CaldwellAlex GreyKanishk ChouhanShubham MehtaCoca-Cola; The Heroes(winner)Ryan KnowlesAlex GabucciJack PowellDan YarcigiCorcept; MarionetteYongchan KimArman MatinYoon BaeRajesh KaushikDisney; Holidays 2024Christian Baker-SteeleLuke WarpusPritesh KotianJack HarrisOUTSTANDING SPECIAL (PRACTICAL) EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL PROJECTBlitzHayley WilliamsDavid EvesAlex FreemanDavid WatsonConstellationMartin GoeresJohara RaukampLion David BogusLeon MarkThe Penguin; Safe Guns(winner)Devin MaggioJohnny HanCory CandrilliAlexandre Prod'hommeEMERGING TECHNOLOGY AWARDDune: Part Two; Nuke CopyCatBen KentGuillaume GalesMairead GroganJohanna BarbierFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga; Artist-driven Machine Learning CharacterJohn BastianBen WardThomas RowntreeRobert BeveridgeHere; Neural Performance Toolset(winner)Jo PlaeteOriel FrigoTomas KoutskyMatteo Oliviero DancyMufasa: The Lion King; Real-Time Interactive Filmmaking, From Stage To PostCallum JamesJames HoodLloyd BishopBruno PedrinhaThe Penguin; Phase Synced Flash-Gun SystemJohnny HanJefferson HanJoseph MenafraMichael PynnOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A STUDENT PROJECTDawn(entry from ESMA cole Suprieure Des Mtiers Artistiques)Noah MercierApolline RoyerLorys StoraMarie PradeillesStudent Accomplice(entry from Brigham Young University)Spencer BlanchardLisa BirdAnson SavageKiara SpencerPittura(entry from ARTFX Schools of Digital Arts)(winner)Lauriol AdamLassre TitouanVivenza RmiMarre HellosCourage(entry from Supinfocom Rubika)Salom CognonMargot JacquetNathan BaudryLise DelcroixSource: Visual Effects Society Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

Besides box office glory, the next best thing for studios is awards season recognition, which explains why as soon as voting begins, contributions from VFX supervisors, animation supervisors, and all manner of digital artists are no longer kept hidden in dark closets; breakdown reels magically appear online. In 2024, most media soothsayers didnt register the latest version of a famous kaiju on their radar, let alone as a serious contender for anything except puzzled eyebrows. But their clairvoyant skills took a serious radioactive heat ray blast when Godzilla Minus One took home the Best Visual Effects Oscar, the first non-English film to win the award and only the second time a director was honored as a member of the visual effects team. This year, the five nominees for VFX Oscar gold at the 97th Annual Academy Awards are all in the hunt; any could win without too much hand wringing. However, one surprising omission was Ridley Scotts epic, Gladiator II, which among its digital trickery cleverly utilized SPMTs (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) on naval battles to transport and choreograph ships on land before later adding CG water.Heres this years breakdown congrats to all the nominees: Every year theres always an outlier; this time its Better Man, which reimagines British popstar Robbie Willliams as a chimpanzee dealing with the pitfalls of fame and struggles to overcome mental illness. Alien: Romulus is the latest entry in the Academy Award-winning Alien franchise. Fede lvarezs sci-fi horror thriller bridges the narrative gap between the revered contributions of Scott and James Cameron. Another film hoping to achieve its predecessors awards success is Denis Villeneuves Dune: Part Two, which amps up the action sequences and adapts the signature sandworm-riding moment from Frank Herberts seminal book. Given that there are only two human characters cast against an impressive lineup of CG primates all delivering spoken dialogue in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, one wonders if the moment has finally arrived to reward the latest prequel in the venerable franchise. However, there is the distinct possibility that a song and dance routine will take center stage March 2 at the Dolby Theatre as Jon M. Chus juggernaut Wicked has everything from talking CG creatures to immense fantasy landscapes and epic musical numbers.To get a better understanding of what captured the attention of the voting members of the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, here are work summaries for each of the nominees. Alien: RomulusEric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin and Shane MahanNarratively set between Alien and Aliens, the nineth installment of the sci-fi franchise took advantage of miniatures, animatronics, stop-motion animation and digital effects. The mantra was to capture as much in-camera so to embody the spirit of the first two films. However, thats not to say that CG was in short supply, especially when dealing with zero-G, multiple facehuggers running along spaceship floors, and plenty of rampaging xenomorphs. Machine learning was used to recreate actor Ian Holm, who played a generic android science officer in the original film. One major action sequence that brought all the departments together happens inside of an elevator shaft, where practical sets and CG atmospherics sold the idea of a zero-G environment while several shots involved shifting between live-action Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) to CG Carradine and CG xenomorph back to the live-action Carradine. Miniatures were used in depicting the exterior Corbelan IV spaceship and probe shots as they informed the painting and finishing details of the CG versions. One of the most complicated effects to achieve were the planetary rings of LV-410; the rings of Saturn were used as reference. https://www.facebook.com/ILMVFX/videos/alien-romulus-breakdown/861440499302460/ - (couldnt get it to play nice with our article) Better ManLuke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft and Peter StubbsSole vendor Wt FX has established an international reputation for producing photorealistic and believable digital primates. But in this case, rather than translating a human performance into its animalistic equivalent, it was more about having a chimpanzee act like a human. Robbie Williamss physical traits were incorporated into his ape persona, such as his peroxide blonde dyed hair that was also shaved to create tattoos. In the end, three different aged versions of the popstar had to be created, using motion capture as a starting point, ultimately attired in 226 costumes and had 50 different hair styles. Several complex musical numbers were choreographed; the most complicated involved two separate locations, five digital costume changes, and 500 dancers for a oner that stitched together 5,334 frames. 2,000 extras were augmented with 108,000 crowd agents for the reenactment of the Knebworth Park concert, followed by full CG shots that take place underwater where he battles 110,000 past versions of himself. New technology was developed that allowed the visual effects pipeline to receive data files from concert stage lightboards so that the lighting setup could be accurately emulated digitally. Dune: Part TwoPaul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd NefzerThe overall mantra on the film was to treat the visuals individually when deciding what techniques should be deployed to achieve them. For three months, a splinter unit was devoted to executing the maiden sandworm ride of Paul Atreides (Timothe Chalamet); this iconic moment from the book had to live-up to fan expectations. And when weather conditions hampered shooting, that same splinter unit was also responsible for capturing footage that involved CG blood flows combined with a prosthetic baby in a tank to create Alia Atreides, who had been genetically impacted by her mother drinking the Water of Life. Another signature element were the Fremen characters blue eyes, courtesy of their spice consumption. Machine learning improved efficiency of the effect, allowing it to be applied to more shots.To help ensure proper lighting conditions that could be copied in post-production, sand-colored and black screens were used provide the correct bounce light and shading conditions for sequences such the Harvester Attack. For the nuclear explosion, creating the desired background mayhem meant a substantial amount of digital crowd running had to be motion captured and simulated. A 35-second all-digital sequence required motion capture performances of Fremen and Harkonnen fighting each other, concluding with a live-action shot of Chani (Zendaya) turning to watch the Imperial Tent explode. Kingdom of the Planet of the ApesErik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story and Rodney BurkeThis storied franchise has come a long way since the days of Charleton Heston and Roddy MacDowell. Building off their technical achievements on Avatar: The Way of Water, Wt FX made good use of stereo facial cameras to create a 3D depth mesh of an actors face, which better captures their facial nuances. The other element taken from the Avatar sequel were the water simulations that play a pivotal role in several key action set within a river and a flooded silo. The film upped the VFX difficulty by significantly increasing the amount of dialogue spoken by the digital primates; the orangutan Raka (Peter Macon) was quite the chatterbox.There are only two human characters in the film; most of the principal cast consists of CG creatures. A Simulcam system was developed that enabled live playback of the motion capture actors as simple 3D apes, which guided the framing and composition of shots. Unreal Engine assisted in mapping out scenes and environments. Decommissioned coal factories and power plants were turned into ruined structures nearly engulfed by Mother Nature. Even though production employed a greenery department, the vegetative overgrowth had to be digitally augmented and extended to achieve the desired scope. Other animals enjoying significant screen time were the iconic birds of the Eagle Clan. Producing the majestic raptors pushed the studios feather system to the limits. The protagonist Noa (Owen Teague) originally resembled Caesar, so the actors motion-captured asymmetric physical traits were emulated as well as his mannerisms, like way he moved his limps to indicate frustration or apprehension. WickedPablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul CorbouldEmbracing the Old Hollywood tradition of massive physical sets was critical to the design and execution of the films complicated musical numbers. Multiple numbers required hundreds of performers onstage together. Among the films many practical accomplishments were Emerald City, Emerald City Express, a rotating library, a mechanical head representing the Wizard of Oz, and 9 million tulips. However, numerous CG set extensions were still needed to help sell the desired scope and scale for environments. One of the films major challenges was to make magic elements, like a glowing book, look fantastical without appearing cartoony. Everything had to grounded in something that look realistic. When it came to the flying monkeys or the goat professor, Doctor Dillamond, nuanced motion capture performances had to be retained while not breaking away from the fact that the characters were CG animals, not humans.One of the films signature moments is when Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) flies in the Defying Gravity sequence. Visual effects worked closely with the stunt department to get the right center of gravity, proper lighting, and actor movements. Elphabas green prosthetic make-up was digitally enhanced to ensure continuity from shot to shot. And when it came to showing the origin of the Tin Man and Scarecrow, character transformations employed a combination of prosthetic and digital effects. Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer best known for composing in-depth filmmaker and movie profiles for VFX Voice, Animation Magazine, and British Cinematographer.

Chinas Base FX has just shared with AWN their work on NeZha 2, which was released in China during the nations Spring Festival holiday and has broken the Mainland box office record with an US$800 million haul in its first nine days. The film, directed by Jiaozi (Yang Yu, who also directed 2019s NeZha), continues the odyssey of one of Chinas best-known characters.The film has advance screenings in the U.S. on February 12 and a national release on February 14.The studio handled a considerable amount of the shows most complicated work, taking on a set of sequences involving large fluid simulations and crowds, along with several sequences of character animation. Overall, the company delivered more than 230 shots on a challenging 12-month schedule, working in partnership with the production and key vendors.According to Base Supervisor Tang Bing Bing, NeZha 2 was maybe our biggest challenge to date in terms of the scope of the work, and the speed at which it had to be done. 18 months sounds like a long time, but with scope of the VFX work and the high production quality demanded, it always felt like we were behind and had to push.Shows like this, by nature, are always moving the goalposts to make a better film, said Base Producer Xu Han. The scale of the shots made hitting deadlines a real challenge. As usual, the team responded to the challenge, and we were able to complete the work at high quality.When we first saw the storyboards, we thought impossible, but once the director shared his vision we worked out a plan that could be achieved on the budget and schedule, shared Tang. We had shots with a thousand creatures jumping through lava with chains attached to them inside Tianyuan Cauldron. There werent any easy shots in the sequence. Each one tested the team.Most of our work post-pandemic has been for U.S. clients and our own IP, so this was an exception for us, added Base CEO Chris Bremble. It was hard to turn down, given the directors vision for the film and our ambition to tackle big, challenging sequences. Were thrilled with its reception in China, and that we were able to make a meaningful contribution to the film, which had 138 Mainland vendors contributing to the final picture. NeZha 2 is produced by Chengdu Coco Cartoon Co., Ltd.; Beijing Enlight Media Co, Ltd.; Beijing Enlight Pictures Co., Ltd.; Chengdu Zizaijingjie Culture and Media Co., Ltd.; Beijing Coloroom Technology Ltd.; and distributed in China by Enlight Pictures and in the US by CMC Pictures.Source: Base FX Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The shows take top honors for Best Animated Feature, Best VFX, Vest Production Design, and Best Animated Series, respectively, at the February 7 ceremony.

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced this years winning motion picture, TV, and new media productions at their 36thAnnual Producers Guild Awards held Saturday night, February 8, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City.Jeff Hermann, p.g.a. took home the award for best Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for his work on the DreamWorks Animation hit, The Wild Robot. The Oscar-nominated animated adventure took home 9 Annie Awards on Saturday evening as well.Special honorees includedChris Meledandri, who was presentedwith the David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures;Taika Waititi, who received the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television;Dana Walden, who received the Milestone Award; and the lateLynda ObstandPaula Weinstein, recipients of the Trailblazer Award.The complete winners list for the 36th Annual Producers Guild Awards is below:Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion PicturesAnora (winner)The BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezA Real PainSeptember 5The SubstanceWickedAward for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion PicturesFlowInside Out 2Moana 2Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild Robot(winner)Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - DramaBad SistersThe DiplomatFalloutShgun(winner)Slow HorsesDanny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - ComedyAbbott ElementaryThe BearCurb Your EnthusiasmHacks(winner)Only Murders in the BuildingDavid L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series TelevisionBaby Reindeer(winner)FEUD: Capote Vs. The SwansThe PenguinRipleyTrue Detective: Night CountryAward for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion PicturesCarry OnThe Greatest Night in Pop(winner)The KillerRebel RidgeUnfrostedAward for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television30 for 30Conan O'Brien Must GoThe Jinx Part TwoSTEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces(winner)Welcome to WrexhamAward for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk TelevisionAli Wong: Single LadyThe Daily ShowLast Week Tonight with John OliverThe Late Show with Stephen ColbertSaturday Night Live(winner)Award for Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition TelevisionThe Amazing RaceRuPaul's Drag RaceTop ChefThe Traitors(winner)The VoiceThe following nominees were previously announced.The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion PicturesGaucho GauchoMedihaMountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa SherpaPorcelain WarSuper/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story(winner)We Will Dance AgainThe Award for Outstanding Children's ProgramAvatar: The Last AirbenderFraggle Rock: Back to the RockPercy Jackson and the OlympiansSesame Street(winner)SpongeBob SquarePantsThe Award for Outstanding Short-Form ProgramThe Crown: Farewell To A Royal EpicHacks: Bit By BitThe Penguin: Inside GothamReal Time with Bill Maher: OvertimeShgun The Making of Shgun(winner)The Award for Outstanding Sports ProgramFormula 1: Drive to SurviveHard Knocks: Offseason with the New York GiantsMessi's World Cup: The Rise of a LegendSimone Biles Rising(winner)Triumph: Jesse Owens and the Berlin OlympicsThe PGA Innovation AwardCritterzEmperorImpulse: Playing with RealityOrbital(winner)The Pirate Queen with Lucy LiuWhat If? An Immersive StorySource: The Producers Guild of America Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

It was an evening few in attendance will forget at tonights 52st Annual Annie Awards, held in tribute to victims of last months horrific and tragic Los Angeles wildfires. Though not one but two separate false fire alarms temporarily halted the Royce Hall festivities, nothing could impede the tremendous awards season trajectory of DreamWorks Animation and Chris Sanders blockbuster, The Wild Robot, which took home nine Annie Awards, followed closely by Netflix and Riot Games fan favorite series, Arcane, which took home seven.The evening was also marked by several tributes and shout outs to the brave men and women of the LA Fire Department, first responders in most every emergency that happen across the expansive, sprawling SoCal landscape that more than 23 million people call home.Actor Steve Buscemi, a former member of the FDNY, started the evening off, joined at the podium by LA firefighter Brian McGrath. Later, ASIFA-Hollywoodannounced a special fundraising campaign,AnimAID, that was created in collaboration with industry co-workers and animation studios, to provide financial support for those in the animation community who have suffered tremendous losses during recent LA fires. AnimAID also plans to also partner with Sotheby's this spring for a prestigious online auction of animation art, followed by other events to come. Info on AnimAID and the code for making tax-deductible donations can be found here: https://www.asifa-hollywood.org/animaid-donate/.The Annie Awards cover 32 categories and include Best Animated Feature, Best Animated Feature-Independent, Special Productions, Sponsored Films, Short Subjects, Student Films and Outstanding Individual Achievements, as well as the honorary Juried Awards. The Winsor McCay Award in recognition of lifetime or career contributions was presented to three recipients: Aaron Blaise, Eunice Macaulay, and Normand Roger.The June Foray Award for significant and benevolent or charitable impact wasawarded to Women in Animation.The Ub Iwerks Award for technical advancement affecting the animation industry was presented to Alberto Menache, who dryly noted that when he first started developing motion capture, many referred to it as "The Devil's Rotoscope." The Special Achievement Award recognizing unique and outstanding achievement not recognized within the existing award category structure waspresented to a new book recognizing pioneering Disney directors: "Directing at Disney: The Original Directors of Walts Animated Films."ASIFA-Hollywood is the worlds first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the Art of Animation and celebrating the people who create it. Today, ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international organization ASIFA, supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, animated film preservation, animation open source support, special events, classes and screenings.Created in 1972 by veteran voice talent June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for the past four decades.Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for yet another inspiring year of animated programming. The complete list of the evenings nominees and winners is as follows:Best FeatureInside Out 2- Pixar Animation StudiosKung Fu Panda 4- DreamWorks AnimationThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for NetflixThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation (winner)Ultraman: Rising- Netflix Presents in association with Tsuburaya ProductionsWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and NetflixBest Feature-IndependentChicken for Linda!- Dolce Vita Films, Miyu Productions, Palosanto Films, France 3 Cinma, Distributed by GKIDSFlow- Sacrebleu Productions, Take Five, Dream Well Studio(winner)Kensukes Kingdom- Paramount PicturesLook Back- Studio Durian Distributed by GKIDSMars Express- Everybody on Deck, Je Suis Bien Content Distributed by GKIDSMemoir of a Snail- Snails Pace Films / ArenamediaBest Special ProductionA Bear Named Wojtek- The Illuminated Film Company and FilmografMogs Christmas- Lupus FilmsOrion and the Dark- DreamWorks Animation(winner)Tabby McTat- Magic Light PicturesYuck!- Ikki Films & Iliade et FilmsBest Short SubjectBeautiful Men- Animal Tank, Miyu Productions & Ka-Ching CartoonsIn the Shadow of the Cypress- Barfak Animation StudioRuthless Blade- IDEOMOTOR Culture Media Co., Ltd.The Swineherd- Fleng Entertainment and Tumblehead ProductionsWander to Wonder- Circe Films, Kaap Holland Film, Les Productions de Milou, Beast Animation, Blink Industries & Pictanovo(winner)Best Sponsoredfeelslikeimfallinginlove- BlinkinkFuzzy Feelings- Passion Pictures Hungry Man(winner)Moonlit Bamboo Forest- Passion Paris Production, HoYoFairNatlan Impressions Trailer, Blaze to Natlan - BUCKWelcome to the City of Love- Nexus StudiosBest TV/Media - PreschoolDisney Jr.s Ariel, Episode: Crystal Cavern Caper - Wild Canary, Disney Branded TelevisionGabbys Dollhouse, Episode: Pandys Bad Day - DreamWorks AnimationJessicas Big Little World, Episode: Jessicas Picnic - Cartoon Network StudiosThe Tiny Chef Show, Episode: Tiny Chefs Spooky Stump Spectacular - Imagine Entertainment, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Productions(winner)Wonder Pets: In the City, Episode: Save Tate? - A Nickelodeon Production in association with AppleBest TV/Media - ChildrenGremlins: The Wild Batch, Episode: Never Use Double Negatives - Warner Bros. AnimationJurassic World: Chaos Theory, Episode: Batten Down the Hatches - DreamWorks AnimationMarvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Episode: The Molecular Level - Flying Bark Productions, Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded Television(winner)Primos, Episode: Summer of Tater Luna - Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded TelevisionWondLa, Episode: Ruins - Skydance Animation in association with AppleBest TV/Media - MatureBobs Burgers, Episode: They Slug Horses, Dont They? - 20th Television Animation(winner)Solar Opposites, Episode: The What If?! Device - 20th Television AnimationSouth Park, Episode: The End of Obesity - MTV Entertainment StudiosThe Great North, Episode: Aunt Misbehavin Adventure - 20th Television AnimationThe Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, Episode: The Land of Sex and Death - Amazon MGM Studios, Titmouse StudiosBest TV/Media - Limited SeriesDream Productions, Episode: A Night to Remember - Pixar Animation Studios(winner)Iwj, Episode: Tola - Walt Disney Animation StudiosLego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, Episode: Part Three - Lucasfilm Ltd.Moon Girls Lab, Episode: Moon Girl Saves the Moon - Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded TelevisionMy Adventures with Superman, Episode: Pierce the Heavens, Superman! - Warner Bros. AnimationBest Student FilmAdis- Student Director: Jos Prats; Student Producer: Bernardo Angeletti; School: National Film and Television School(winner)El Ombligo de la Luna olaj- Student Directors: Sara Antnio, Julia Grupiska, Bokang Koatja, Tian Westraad, Ezequiel Garibay; School: GobelinsPear Garden- Student Director/Producer: Shadab Shayegan; School: Filmakademie Baden-Wrttemberg GmbH, AnimationsinstitutPolliwog- Student Director: Julia Skala; Student Producer: Max Pollmann; School: Filmakademie Baden-Wrttemberg GmbH, AnimationsinstitutTurmspringer- Student Director: Oscar Bittner; Student Producer: Andra Berila; School: Filmakademie Baden-Wrttemberg GmbH, AnimationsinstitutBest FX - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: The Dirt Under Your Nails - Production Company: A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix, FX Production Company: Fortiche Studio - Guillaume Degroote, Aurlien Ressencourt, Adam Bachiri, Guillaume Zaouche, Jrme Dupr(winner)Dream Productions, Episode: A Night to Remember - Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios, FX Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios - Gary Bruins, Jongwon Pak, Arturo Aguilar, Alan Browning, Alen LaiSecret Level, Episode: Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear - Production Company: Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studio Inc., FX Production Company: Blur Studio Inc. - Josh Schwartz, Joe Coleman, Michael Huang, Guilherme Casagrandi, Raul RodriguesSecret Level, Episode: Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen's Cradle - Production Company: Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studio Inc., FX Production Company: Blur Studio Inc. - Arthur Loiseau, Tom OBready, Esteban Genre, Alexandre Lerouge, Guillaume GrelierSecret Level, Episode: Crossfire: Good Conflict - Production Company: Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studio Inc., FX Production Company: Blur Studio Inc. - Kamil Murzyn, Rafa Rumiski, Jarosaw Armata, Micha led, Micha FirekBest FX - FeatureKung Fu Panda 4- Production Company: DreamWorks Animation, - FX Production Company: DreamWorks Animation - Zachary Glynn, Alex Timchenko, Kiem Ching Ong, Yorie Kaela Kumalasari, Jinguang HuangMoana 2- Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios - FX Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios - Santiago Robles, Marc Bryant, Deborah Carlson, Jake Rice, Ian J. CoonyThe Wild Robot- Production Company: DreamWorks Animation - FX Production Company: DreamWorks Animation - Derek Cheung, Michael Losure, David Chow, Nyoung Kim, Steve Avoujageli(winner)Ultraman: Rising- Production Company: Netflix Animation - FX Production Company: Industrial Light & Magic - Goncalo Cabaca, Vishal Patel, Zheng Yong Oh, Nicholas Yoon Joo Kuang, Pei- Zhi HuangWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Production Company: Aardman and Netflix - FX Production Company: Aardman Production - Howard Jones, Rich Spence, Deborah Jane Price, Jon Biggins, Kirstie DeaneBest Character Animation - TV/MediaArcane, Episodes: Killing Is A Cycle, Heavy Is the Crown, Finally Got the Name Right, The Message Hidden Within the Pattern, The Dirt Under Your Nails, Pretend Like Its the First Time, Blisters and Bedrock - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Tom Gouill(winner)Dream Productions, Episodes: The Dream Team, Out of Body, Romance! - Pixar Animation Studios - Travis HathawayIn the Know, Episodes: Yogurt Week, Thinksgiving - Peacock Original in association with Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Bandera, ShadowMachine - Jeff RileyStar Trek: Lower Decks, Episodes: Various - CBSs Eye Animation Productions, Titmouse; Secret Hideout; and Roddenberry Entertainment - Raymond DunsterThe Patrick Star Show, Episode: Something Stupid This Way Comes - Screen Novelties / Nickelodeon Animation Studios - Colin LepperBest Character Animation - FeatureInside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Aviv ManoKung Fu Panda 4- DreamWorks Animation - Patrick GuisianoMoana 2- Walt Disney Animation Studios - Brian ScottThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Fabio Lignini(winner)Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and Netflix - Carmen Bromfield MasonBest Character Animation - Live ActionBetter Man- Production Company: Footloose Productions, VicScreen, Partizan, Facing East Entertainment, Rocket Science, Lost Bandits - FX Production Company: Wt FX - Shaun Freeman, Luisma Lavin Peredo, Carlos Lin, Seoungseok Charlie Kim, Kaori MiyazawaGladiator II- Production Company: Paramount - FX Production Company: Framestore LTD - Kyle Dunlevy, Philipp Winterstein, Gil Daniel, Michael Elder, Julien BagoryGodzilla x Kong: The New Empire- Production Company: Legendary Entertainment - FX Production Company: Wt FX - Ludovic Chailloleau, Jonathan Paquin, Craig Penn, Florian Fernandez, Marco BarbatiHouse of the Dragon Season 2- Production Company: Warner Bros - FX Production Company: Wt FX - Jason Snyman, Manjoe Chan, Chloe McLean, Cedric Enriquez Canlas, Vincent LeeKingdom of the Planet of the Apes- Production Company: 20th Century Studios - FX Production Company: Wt FX - Christian Kickenweitz, Aidan Martin, Allison Orr, Radiya Alam, Howard Sly(winner)Best Character Animation - Video Game#BLUD- Exit 73 Games, LLC. - Chris Burns, Bob FoxAsgard's Wrath 2- Sanzaru Games - Sanzaru Games Animation TeamDiesel Legacy- Maximum Entertainment - Maximum EntertainmentNeva- Nomada Studio - Nomada Studio Animation Team(winner)Senua's Saga: Hellblade II- Ninja Theory - Ninja TheoryBest Character Design - TV/MediaDream Productions, Episode: A Night to Remember - Pixar Animation Studios - Grant AlexanderJentry Chau vs. the Underworld, Episode: Pilot - A Netflix Series - Kal AthannassovMarvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Episode: The Molecular Level - Disney Television Animation, Cinema Gypsy Productions - Jose Lopez(winner)Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Episode: Bishop Makes Her Move! - Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Point / Grey Pictures - Rustam HasanovX-Men '97, Episode: Mutant Liberation Begins - Marvel Studios - Amelia VidalBest Character Design - FeatureInside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Deanna MarsiglieseScarygirl- Highly Spirited and Like A Photon Creative - Nathan JureviciusSpellbound- Netflix Presents / Skydance Animation Presents a Skydance Animation Film - Guillermo RamreThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for Netflix - Uwe HeidschtterThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Genevieve Tsai(winner)Best Direction - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: The Dirt Under Your Nails - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Arnaud Delord, Pascal Charrue, Bart Maunoury(winner)Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation, Television Movie - Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded Television - Anna OBrianBob's Burgers, Episode: They Slug Horses, Don't They? - 20th Television Animation - Bernard DerrimanTabby McTat, Television Movie - Magic Light Pictures - Jac Hamman, Sarah ScrimgeourTales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Episode: The Pearl - Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Point / Grey Pictures - Alan Wan, Colin HeckBest Direction - FeatureChicken for Linda!- Dolce Vita Films, Miyu Productions, Palosanto Films, France 3 Cinma / Distributed by GKIDS - Chiara Malta, Sbastien LaudenbachFlow- Take Five, Sacrebleu Productions, Dream Well Studio - Gints ZilbalodisThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for Netflix - Simon OttoThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Chris Sanders(winner)Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and Netflix - Nick Park, Merlin CrossinghamBest Music - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: The Dirt Under Your Nails - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Ryan Jillian Santiago, Alexander Seaver, Simon Wilcox(winner)Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation, Television Movie - Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded Television - Joachim HorsleyHazbin Hotel, Episode: Masquerade - Amazon MGM Studios, A24, Bento Box Entertainment - Sam Haft, Andrew UnderbergJentry Chau vs. the Underworld, Episode: Lock-In - A Netflix Series - Brian H. KimWondLa, Episode: Captive - Skydance Animation in association with Apple - Joy NgiawBest Music - FeatureKensuke's Kingdom- Lupus Films - Stuart HancockPiece by Piece- i am OTHER, TREMOLO in association with The LEGO Group, Pure Imagination Studios and Tongal - Pharrell Williams, Michael AndrewsThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for Netflix - John Powell, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaidThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Kris Bowers(winner)Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and Netflix - Lorne Balfe, Julian NottBest Production Design - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: The Dirt Under Your Nails - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Arnaud-Loris Baudry, Julien Georgel, Faustine Dumontier, Charlotte ONeil(winner)Dream Productions, Episode: The Dream Team - Pixar Animation Studios - Bert Berry, Josh HoltsclawOrion and the Dark, Special Production - DreamWorks Animation - Timothy Lamb, Christine BianSilly Sundays, Episode: Stringy Soup - Cartoon Saloon - Fran Bravo, Rosa Ballester CaboWondLa, Episode: Bargain - Skydance Animation in association with Apple - Andy HarknessBest Production Design - FeatureInside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Jason Deamer, Josh West, Keiko Murayama, Bill Zahn, Laura MeyerThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for Netflix - Justin Hutchinson-Chatburn, Mike RedmanThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Raymond Zibach, Ritchie Sacilioc(winner)Ultraman: Rising- Netflix Presents in association with Tsuburaya Productions - The Ultraman: Rising Production Design TeamWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and Netflix - Matt Perry, Darren Dubicki, Richard Edmunds, Matt Sanders, Gavin LinesBest Storyboarding - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: Killing is a Cycle - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Josphine Meis(winner)Invincible Fight Girl, Episode: The Way of The World - Cartoon Network Studios - Gladyfaith Abcede, Miki Brewster, Kaela Lash, Sheldon VellaJurassic World: Chaos Theory, Episode: That Night - DreamWorks Animation - Aevery HuensSnoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin, Short Film - WildBrain Studios in association with Apple - David LuxTales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Episode: The Pearl - Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Point / Grey Pictures - Laura Gille, Sebrina Gao, Kevin Molina-OrtizBest Storyboarding - FeatureDespicable Me 4- Illumination - Habib Louati(winner)Moana 2- Walt Disney Animation Studios - Ryan GreenSaving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie- Nickelodeon Animation - Piero PilusoSpellbound- Netflix Presents / Skydance Animation Presents a Skydance Animation Film - Alex Relloso Horna, Carlos Zapater OlivaThat Christmas- Locksmith Animation for Netflix - Ashley Boddy, Lorenzo Fresta, Helen SchroederBest Voice Acting - TV/MediaBob's Burgers, Episode: The Right Tough Stuff - 20th Television Animation - John Roberts (Character: Linda Belcher)Bob's Burgers, Episode: They Slug Horses, Don't They? - 20th Television Animation - Kristen Schaal (Character: Louise Belcher)Dream Productions, Episode: Out of Body - Pixar Animation Studios - Paula Pell (Character: Paula)(winner)Hazbin Hotel, Episode: Dad Beat Dad - Amazon MGM Studios, A24, Bento Box Entertainment - Jeremy Jordan (Character: Lucifer)Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Episode: Splinter and April Fight a Goldfish - Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Point / Grey Pictures - Ayo Edebiri (Character: April O'Neil)Best Voice Acting - FeatureChicken for Linda!- Dolce Vita Films, Miyu Productions, Palosanto Films, France 3 Cinma / Distributed by GKIDS - Mline Leclerc (Character: Linda)Inside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Maya Hawke (Character: Anxiety)The Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Lupita Nyong'o (Character: Roz)(winner)The Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Kit Connor (Character: Brightbill)Transformers One- Paramount Animation - Brian Tyree Henry (Character: D-16 / Megatron)Best Writing - TV/MediaCraig of the Creek, Episode: Whose Dimension Is It Anyway? - Cartoon Network Studios - Harron Atkins, Lorraine DeGraffenreidt, Pearl Low, Richie PopeJessica's Big Little World, Episode: Jessica's Picnic - Cartoon Network Studios - Austin Faber, Gabriel Franklin, Shawne Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs, Ashleigh HairstonOrion and the Dark, Special Production - DreamWorks Animation - Charlie Kaufman(winner)The Simpsons, Episode: Bart's Birthday - A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation - Jessica ConradYuck!, Special Production - Ikki Films & Iliade et Films - Loc EspucheBest Writing - FeatureFlow- Take Five, Sacrebleu Productions, Dream Well Studio - Gints Zilbalodis, Matss Kaa(winner)Inside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Meg LeFauve, Dave HolsteinKensuke's Kingdom- Paramount Pictures - Frank Cottrell-BoyceMemoir of a Snail- Snails Pace Films / Arenamedia - Adam ElliotBest Editorial - TV/MediaArcane, Episode: Pretend Like It's the First Time - A Riot Games and Fortiche Production for Netflix - Nazim Meslem, Gilad Carmel, Roberto Fernandez(winner)Creature Commandos, Episode: Cheers to the Tin Man - Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios / - Annie De BrockJurassic World: Chaos Theory, Episode: Batten Down the Hatches - DreamWorks Animation - Ben Choo, Rich Liverance, Eric Hendricks, Anna Adams, Ian HurleyMarvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Episode: The Molecular Level - Disney Television Animation, Cinema Gypsy Productions - Sandra Powers, Phil Lomboy, Ryan Burkhard, Neil Wilson III, Gabriel GelbrechtTales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Episode: The Pearl - Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Point / Grey Pictures - Caleb YoderBest Editorial - FeatureInside Out 2- Pixar Animation Studios - Maurissa Horwitz, David Suther, Fiona Toth, Jonathan VargoMoana 2- Walt Disney Animation Studios - Jeremy Milton, Michael Louis HillThe Wild Robot- DreamWorks Animation - Mary Blee, Collin Erker, Orlando Duenas, Lucie Lyon, Brian Parker(winner)Ultraman: Rising- Netflix Presents in association with Tsuburaya Productions - Bret Marnell, ACE, William Max Steinberg, Nik Siefke, Ryan Sommer, Kaye SpeareWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl- Aardman and Netflix - Dan HemberySource: ASIFA-Hollywood Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

FMX 2025 has launched the FMX Ticketshop, which introduces two new ticket categories: the Business Pass and the Experience Pass. Early bird options are also in place until March 20. The FMX Forum still has some slots available.All new options include:Business Pass: Essentially a Conference Pass with two upgrades: it grants access to the new Business Lounge as well as priority access to all conference presentations. Priority access allows pass holders to enter all presentations and talks without any ado unless the room is filled to capacity. To ensure a quality experience, the number of Business Passes is limited.Experience Pass: The category for networkers allows access to the FMX exhibition area for one day on May 6, 7, 8, or 9, including the Marketplace, the Recruiting Hub, and the School Campus. Not included are talks in the conference rooms On Site and On Demand.Classic ticket options include:Conference Pass: Enables to experience all of FMX On Site in Stuttgart from May 6 to 9. Also grants access to the conference content offered On Demand from May 10 to June 10.Combi Pass: Expands the Conference Pass by adding full access to the International Festival of Animated Film Stuttgart (ITFS), taking place from May 6 to 11 (see below).Day Pass: Enables to experience FMX On Site for one day on May 6, 7, 8, or 9. Includes FMX On Demand.Online Pass: Grants access to the On Demand program from May 10 to June 10.Reduced cost tickets are available for students, apprentices, trainees, pensioners, and people with disabilities. Student groups are eligible for tickets with additional discount. Active contributors to a publication or media outlet can apply for press accreditation, granting access to the On Site and On Demand program.The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) will run parallel with FMX, and will focus on the wonders of stop-motion.Source: FMX Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Initial plans call for a feature, based on the trading card game franchise, with series and other content to be developed as the universe expands.

The Advanced Imaging Society has announced the winners of the 2025 Lumiere Awards, which honor the artists, engineers and innovators whose work continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic technology.As the annual Lumiere Awards luncheon was cancelled due to the devastating Los Angeles fires, the decision was made to announce and deliver the awards directly to the honorees.Our hearts go out to everyone in our community impacted by these devastating fires, said AIS President Jim Chabin. In recent weeks, weve been deeply saddened to learn of friends and colleagues who have lost their homes and irreplaceable memories. Yet, amid this hardship, we have also been inspired by the incredible generosity of our members opening their homes, providing resources, and rallying together in support. This unwavering spirit of unity and compassion is a testament to the strength of our industry.In addition to this years winners, special honors were also awarded. Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher received The Harold Lloyd Award in recognition of their steadfast dedication to the highest standards of cinematic excellence for three decades, resulting in epic films such as Memoirs of a Geisha, The Great Gatsby, the Divergent Series and both Gladiator and Gladiator II.The Governors Award for Education, Technology and Innovation was presented to Texas A&M Universitys Virtual Production Institute, which is part of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. A longtime leader in visualization, Texas A&M is advancing virtual production education and supporting workforce development through cutting-edge technology and industry collaboration.The Society awarded the Best Live Action Feature Film Lumiere to Dune: Part Two, as well as Best Scene or Sequence for Riding the Sandworm and Best Use of HDR for Feature Film. Voters called the film a cinematic masterpiece, that transformed what a modern science fiction film could be, not just with stunning vast visuals and rich sound design, but with a story that grips and moves the soul.The Lumiere for Best Animated Feature Film went to The Wild Robot. Voters praised the excellent story and animation, saying it is the most visually-impressive animated feature film of 2024, attributed to its groundbreaking approach to animation, and its employment of a unique hand-painted aesthetic that blends traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology.Wicked was recognized with the Lumiere Award for Best Musical, with voters praising its breathtaking production design and innovative approach to bringing the magical world of Oz to life on screen. Wicked also won the Lumiere Award for Music-Themed Scene, Sequence or Performance of the Year for Defying Gravity.The Lumiere for Best Audio Theatrical was awarded to Alien: Romulus, while Deadpool & Wolverine received the award for Best 2D to 3D Conversion. Voters cited the title sequence, which was described as stunning, with abundant pop-out effects that set a high bar for the 3D experience.The Lumiere for Best Documentary went to Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, while Moana 2 Beyond was recognized for Best Original Song. Voters also noted Beyond was a powerful anthem representing exploration of the world and has a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.Among the episodic winners was Shgun, which received the Award for Best Episodic Live Action, as well as Best Use of HDR - Episodic. Arcane Season 2 won for Best Episodic Animation, with voters saying it was visually spectacular and arresting. Head and shoulders the best animated episodic in years. The Lumiere for Best Audio Episodic was awarded to Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.In the world of immersive projects, The Lumiere Award for Best Use of VR/AR/XR went to What If...? - An Immersive Story; The Lumiere Award for Best Location Based Entertainment was given to Orbital, a documentary style experience using interviews of astronauts and cosmonauts. The production is presented by Cosm.The Production Technology Lumiere Award went to F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix for their 3D Interactive experience leveraging AI by MeetMo with AR added by NantStudios and T-Mobile. The Lumiere Award for Best Live Event Cinema Experience was presented to Sphere Entertainment for V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las Vegas. Directed by Morleigh Steinberg and The Edge, the film is the first to be shot entirely with Big Sky, Sphere Entertainments groundbreaking ultra-high-resolution camera system.Best Achievement in 8K Production was awarded to Deep Ocean: Mysterious Worlds of the Red Sea. A 72-hour consecutive observation filming expedition which succeeded in capturing, in 8K, the worlds first ever video images of a group of coelacanths and their behavior indicative of reproduction, conducted by Japans NHK and NHK Enterprises, Inc.The complete list of winners are as follows:Best Feature Film: Live Action: Dune: Part TwoBest Feature Film: Animated: The Wild RobotBest Documentary: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve StoryBest Motion Picture - Musical: WickedBest Audio Theatrical: Alien: RomulusBest Audio Episodic: Star Wars: Skeleton CrewBest Original Song: Moana 2 "Beyond"Best Use of VR/AR/XR: What If...? - An Immersive StoryBest Use of High Dynamic Range Feature Film: Dune: Part TwoBest Use of High Dynamic Range Episodic: ShgunBest 2D to 3D Conversion: Deadpool & WolverineBest Musical Scene or Sequence: Wicked "Defying Gravity"Best Theatrical Scene or Sequence: Dune: Part Two "Riding the Sandworm"Best Episodic Animated: Arcane Season 2Best Episodic Live Action: ShgunBest Live Event Cinema Experience: V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las VegasBest Achievement in 8K Production: Deep Ocean: Mysterious Worlds of the Red SeaBest Location Based Entertainment: OrbitalProduction Technology Award: F1 Las Vegas Grand PrixGovernors Award for Education, Technology and Innovation: The Virtual Production Institute of Texas A&M, Sony Electronics, Synapse Virtual ProductionHarold Lloyd Award: Douglas Wick & Lucy FisherSource: The Advanced Imaging Society Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Vine VFX has just shared with AWN and VFXWorld details of their work delivering 115 shots for the climactic Season 2 finale on Prime Videos supernatural thriller, The Rig. The Cambridge-based visual effects studio created the breathtaking mycelium forest and eerie underwater environment, producing shots on a new USD pipeline they created for the show.In Season 1, when an ancient parasite was let loose on the ocean oor, the crew in The Rig found themselves in peril. Season 2 introduced even more suspense, betrayal, and terrifying consequences, culminating in a cliffhanger that required the Vine FX team to create growing mycelium trees as part of an underwater alien world.The Rig has been one of the most rewarding projects for us to work on, says Kaitlyn Beattie, VFX Producer at Vine FX. Season 1 was an instant hit, and Season 2 has pushed the boundaries for the show, which gave us ample opportunity to create something incredible.Among the standout shots from the nale was a sprawling, living mycelium forest, its canopy looming 400 meters above the seabed. These parasitic trees were more than decorative; they had to glow, evoke an emotional response from the characters, and add layers of depth to the underwater ecosystem.According to the studio, they began with concept art created by Scott McInnes, capturing the forests vibrant and organic forms. Moving from concept to full CG proved challenging; the scale and density of the mycelium structures required the use of simulation techniques to grow the structures in an organic way, all while establishing a new USD (Universal Scene Description) pipeline to handle asset volume and complexity.This was a long process, says Pedrom Dadgostar, Head of 3D at Vine FX. We created several tree designs which we could then instance and propagate the scene with. The great thing about procedural growth simulations like these is that they look different from any angle, so by carefully rotating and placing assets we were able to build a dense forest with no repetitions. We recruited the largest CG team weve ever had just to work on this project. The teams approach to procedural textures and lighting provided the trees with an ethereal, bioluminescent quality that further enhanced the underwater environment. Using Houdinis Solaris, the trunks were equipped with internal illumination through mesh lights, which added a ghostly, otherworldly presence.In addition to generating an entire forest of alien, parasitic trees, Vine FX needed to build an entire underwater world, augmenting live-action shots with CG and 2D assets to create a sense of being beneath the waves.That meant slow movements, particulates, and depth. Bringing together environment extensions and mycelium trees was important, but those smaller and at times hidden details were just as important.Light plays a critical role in dening space and scale, explains Dadgostar. We carefully placed oating particulates that helped establish that sense, leading into darkness throughout the environment and around the trees. The idea was to envelop the characters in an expansive, claustrophobic world.When the characters interact with the parasite, we had to make sure the light from it reected off their suits and any other elements, comments Ole Aleksander Norby, Compositing Supervisor at Vine FX. The visual representation of being underwater and interacting with a decaying organism was shown by the oating particulates seen throughout the episode. Compositing artists ensured that the trees and their bioluminescent glow meshed seamlessly with the live-action footage. While Vine FX was tasked with creating a mostly CG environment, the comp team worked closely with the client to establish a look that met evolving creative preferences, from light intensities to color grading.Work on The Rig was completed in USD, which required an entirely new pipeline as work progressed, rened to suit not only the project but the entire studio. The new USD pipeline streamlined the process, says Dadgostar. It allowed us to manage the integration of assets across shots and maintain consistency throughout the sequence as a whole.With USDs ecient handling of multi-shot workows, the new pipeline enabled a unied environment that could be rendered across shots without extensive re-rendering, ultimately saving time while delivering high-quality visuals.Source: Vine FX Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The upcoming live-action / 3DCG hybrid and extremely blue musical feature sees Smurfette and her friends head to a very real Earth to find Papa Smurf, whos been kidnapped by Razamel and Gargamel; hits theaters July 18.

Comic book writer, artist, and former Editor-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer at Marvel Entertainment Joe Quesada teased the upcoming slate of top-secret titles for his new publishing venture, Amazing Comics, at the Angoulme International Comics Festival, which will feature comic books by:Derek Kolstad, writer and creator of John Wick and NobodyJ. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, co-writer of the TV series Sence8; screenwriter on Changeling and Thor Steven Paul Judd, writer on Dark Winds and EchoChristopher Priest, writer of Black Panther and Deadpool for Marvel ComicsGarth Ennis, writer and co-creator of The Boys and Preacher comic booksEthan Sacks, writer of Star Wars for Marvel Comics and co-writer of the acclaimed Image Comics series A Haunted GirlCharles Dorfman, writer and director of Barbarians; associate producer on The Kings Speech; producer of The Lost Daughter Amazing Comics titles will be illustrated by Quesada, as well as:Esad Ribic, artist on Marvels Secret Wars, Silver Surfer: Requiem, X-Men, and Thor for Marvel ComicsRyan Stegman, artist on Venom, The King in Black, X-Men, Vanish, and MissionaryRonan Toulhoat, artist of Daemon and Dog HeadThe start-up, which operates from Quesadas headquarters in Idaho, will create original concepts for a global market. Miamis Mad Cave Studios and European publishing house Dupuis will work in tandem to publish and distribute titles on both sides of the Atlantic.Amazing Comics has been living in my creative journal since 2005 I always knew it was in my future, said Quesada. Having the opportunity to help rebuild Marvel and later become part of the Disney family was one of the greatest highlights of my career. It allowed me to play in almost every creative sandbox imaginable and collaborate with some of the most brilliant talents on the planet. Now, I get to take everything Ive learned over two-plus decades at Marvel and pour it into Amazing Comics, bringing many of those incredible creators along with me. Our mission is simple: to tell great stories with stunning art and to build a true community between Amazing and our readers.Amazing Comics inaugural title, Disciple, was announced last year at San Diego Comic-Con by Amazing Comics, Dupuis, and Mad Cave Studios. Quesada and Charles Dorfman will co-write the much-anticipated reimagining of Shakespeares Hamlet. Dorfman will make his comics debut, with illustration by Quesada and inker Wade von Grawbadger, with colorist Richard Isanove and letterer Joe Caramagna."Im beyond excited about Disciple not just because its my return to self-publishing but because I get to team up with Charles on something truly special, added Quesada. Inspired by Shakespeares Hamlet, Disciple isnt just a retelling its a full-on expansion, building a world around the original story thats packed with history, intrigue, and all the drama youd expect, but with some wicked surprises along the way. Were keeping all the classic Shakespearean names, but make no mistake this story is going to take some wild, unexpected turns thatll have readers hooked and guessing every step of the way!Source: Superfan Promotions Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

New lawsuit alleges that the famed fantasy writer engaged in many nonconsensual sex acts, with former nanny Scarlett Pavlovich, and that Palmer knew of and was complicit in the abusive behavior.

A ravenous Galacticus plans to devour the entire planet head back to a futuristic 1960s world as we finally get a glimpse of the long-sought reboot of the studios seminal First Family franchise, coming to theaters July 25.

VFX supervisor Aaron Wright just shared the work of his Blue Rain Productions team on the new Hallmark+ series, Mistletoe Murders, Hallmarks first holiday murder mystery, which debuted on the new streaming service this past October 31st.In the all-new Hallmark+ original series, based on the Audible original audiobook series of the same name, Emily Lane is an outwardly friendly, optimistic shop owner of a charming year-round Christmas-themed store, Under the Mistletoe. With a keen eye for details, Emily soon finds herself compelled to investigate not-so-quaint local murders, where her sleuthing skills are soon put to the test. Despite local cop, Detective Sam Wilner's growing affection for her, Emily's enigmatic past raises suspicions about her true motives because she has a big secret. Which certainly shows that everyone has ghosts of Christmas past! Yep, we said it.Created by Ken Cuperus, the show stars Sarah Drew (Greys Anatomy) as Emily Lane, Peter Mooney (Rookie Blue) as local detective Sam Wilner and Sierra Marilyn Riley as his teenaged daughter Violet. Jean Yoon (Kims Convenience), Lara Amersey (Operation Nutcracker), and Good Witch alum Kylee Evans also star. David Hewlett (The Shape of Water) has a recurring role; Tom Cavanaugh (Ed, The Flash) guest stars. Grant Harvey, Melanie Orr and Sherry White each directed two of the six Season 1 episodes.Wright and the Blue Rain Productions team worked on various VFX for the show, including replacing monitors to ensure that the on-screen actions matched the actors' movements. In one scene, they enhanced a tree to make it look more damaged as part of a murder investigation. Their work also involved enhancing clues and making minor production fixes, such as replacing unapproved photos. Additionally, they handled a significant explosion shot and flashback sequences to portray the character's past as a secret agent.The team was on set throughout the production, working to seamlessly blend elements they created, such as hospital interiors, with stock footage, integrating the material into the shows world of Fletchers Grove. The biggest challenge, and largest effect taken on by Wright and the team, was working on a big warehouse explosion. In describing the work, Wright shares that he came onto the show early, helping develop some of the action. MistletoeMurders presented us with the unique opportunityof a murder or 2 every couple episodes, he notes. Right from the get-go we were interested. Blue Rain was given the opportunity to help plan and design from the writing stage some of the murders and accidents you see on screen. This unique opportunity gave us freedom to design the effects in the most exciting but also efficient ways. He goes on to describe how a sleigh falling off the roof onto one of the carolers was a big opening shot for the 3rd episode that required us to build and design the rickety platform that was to be sabotaged. Wright went back and forth early with the art department to design a sleigh that was both simple to build and would break in real life, that could be used in the shot, but also would work for our needs, which were to break and fall from the rooftop. This collaboration meant the shots traveled smoothly through the production pipeline.For a large number of shots that involved outfitting a local shop with a big, bright sign saying, Famous Ray's Furniture Emporium, Wright explains, the choice to do it with VFX was clear. Because Ray's personality on the series was quite eccentric, It needed to be huge, he adds. Taking the initial artwork that the art department provided, we added the layers of grime and wear to it to have it tell a bit more of a story, then composited it into the different shots. Overall, I think the effect was quite successful. The climax of Emily's trauma induced flashback was a great warehouse explosion, one of the big cliffhangers from Emily's past, which begged the question, Why is this Christmas shop owner also involved with a huge building explosion? According to Wright, It was the largest effect in the show and required weeks of planning and involvement from many teams and departments. We filmed the talented Sarah Drew on bluescreen getting hit by air cannons we had background plates of the building, lighting effect plates, lens elements we even built the window panel with candy glass and fired air cannons through it to get realistic glass and debris. In post, we then simulated the exploding buildings fireball and animated extra destruction elements like doors, bricks and rocks, he continues. Adding even more layers, we simulated dust clouds and sparks that engulfed Emily and crashed the shot to black. All of these filmed and CGI components were brought together and composited into the final shot that was intended to capture the dark notion, Who is Emily really? Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The Yard VFX has joined the UK Screen Alliance, the trade association which represents the UK's Visual Effects, TV & Film Studios, Post-Production, and Animation sectors.Joining UK Screen Alliance underscores our strategy to align with partners that are genuinely advocating for the betterment of the UKs VFX industry and its entire ecosystem, said Laurens Ehrmann, founder and senior VFX supervisor at The Yard. Their advocacy and recent successes, particularly in securing a more attractive incentive structure, are perfectly aligned with our vision to expand in markets rich with talent and opportunity. We are looking forward to collaborating with other members to advance the screen sector.The new uplift to the VFX incentive and the excellent skills base in the UK, makes it an attractive place for international companies to invest, with all the right conditions for growth, said Neil Hatton, CEO of UK Screen Alliance. We look forward to The Yard participating in our meetings and events, bringing their own unique perspective and expertise.As a member, The Yard will have the opportunity to engage in shaping policy discussions, network with industry leaders, and access resources and training. The studio has crafted VFX for major international productions, including The Rings of Power Season 2, Halo Season 2, John Wick: Chapter 4, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.We are eager to apply our experience in building a vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive environment where ambitious projects and exceptional talent can thrive, added Ehrmann.Source: The Yard VFX Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Dune: Part Two, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice led all winners at the 52ndAnnual Saturn Awards, which recognizes programming, performances and special effects in genre entertainment within the Film and Television categories. Since 1972, The Saturn Awards have been presented each year by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. The event took place at the Hilton Universal City Hotel, with fans able to watch LIVE on The Roku Channel and ElectricNOW.William Shatner was presented with the Saturns Lifetime Achievement Award by actor and son in-law, Joel Gretsch. The second annual Lance Reddick Legacy Award was handed out to actor Laurence Fishburne by actor LeVar Burton. Actor and star of the Disney series Shgun, Hiroyuki Sanada was presented with The Robert Forster Artists Award by writer/director/producer Jonathan Nolan.Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and writer-producer Bob Gale of Back to the Future were in attendance to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the all-time classic time- travel adventure and to receive The George Pal Memorial Award for its filmmakers and stars. Comedians Dana Gould and Bobcat Goldthwait presented the Award to all three.The Amazon series Fallout took home The Spotlight Award, presented to its cast and creators by actor Ron Perlman. Actor Tyler Hoechlin and the writers of the WBTV show Superman & Lois, Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing, were awarded the Dan Curtis Legacy Award, presented by actor George Newbern.This years show was dedicated to all those affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires and the true superheroes the firemen and emergency responders whose bravery, dedication, and sacrifice helped protect lives and property in the face of devastating challenges.The complete list of this years winners is as follows:SPECIAL AWARDS:Lifetime Achievement Award William ShatnerLance Reddick Legacy Award Laurence FishburneGeorge Pal Memorial Award The 40th Anniversary of Back to the FutureSpotlight Award FalloutRobert Forster Artists Award Hiroyuki SanadaDan Curtis Legacy Award Superman & LoisFILMBest Science Fiction Film: Dune: Part Two Best Fantasy Film: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Best Horror Film: Alien: RomulusBest Action / Adventure Film: Deadpool & WolverineBest Thriller Film: Strange DarlingBest International Film: Godzilla Minus OneBest Animated Film: The Wild RobotBest Independent Film: Late Night with the Devil Best Actor in a Film: Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario) Best Actress in a Film: Demi Moore (The Substance)Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine)Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Rebecca Ferguson (Dune: Part Two)Best Younger Performer in a Film: Jenna Ortega (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)Best Film Direction: Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two)Best Film Writing (Screenplay): Osgood Perkins (Longlegs)Best Film Music (Composer): Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)Best Film Editing: Dean Zimmerman & Shane Reid (Deadpool & Wolverine) Best Film Production Designer: Patrice Vermette (Deadpool & Wolverine) Best Film Make-Up: The Substance (Pierre-Olivier Persin)Best Film Costume: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Colleen Atwood)Best Film Visual / Special Effects: Dune: Part Two (Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salacombe, Gerd Nefzer)TELEVISION:Best Science Fiction Television Series: Fallout Best Fantasy Television Series: House of the Dragon Best Horror Television Series: FromBest Superhero Television Series: Agatha All AlongBest Action/Thriller Television Series: Cobra KaiBest Adventure Television Series: Monarch: Legacy of MonstersBest Animated Series: Star Wars: The Bad BatchBest Television Presentation: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who LiveBest Actor in a Television Series: Colin Farrell (The Penguin)Best Actress in a Television Series: Rosario Dawson (Star Wars: Ahsoka)Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series: Antony Starr (The Boys)Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) Best Younger Performer in a Television Series: Xolo Mariduea (Cobra Kai) Best Guest-Star in a Television Series: Mark Hamill (The Fall of the House of Usher)Home Entertainment:Best Classic Home Media Release: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Kino/Lorber Studio Classics)Best Television Home Media Release: Star Wars: Andor The Complete First Season (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)Best Film Home Media Collection: Batman 85th Anniversary Collection (Warner Home Video)Best 4k Home Media Release: Saw X (Lionsgate Home Video)Source:The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

Netflix has officially cancelled The Sandman live action series adaptation ahead of its second season premiere, according to Variety. The final season will still release on the streamer later this year.The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dreams story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season, said showrunner Allan Heinberg in a statement to Variety. We are extremely grateful to Netflix for bringing the team all back together and giving us the time and resources to make a faithful adaptation in a way that we hope will surprise and delight the comics loyal readers as well as fans of our show.The Sandman Season 2 sees a power struggle among the world of immortals after Lucifer gives Dream the key to Hell. Newcomers to the short lived series include Esm Creed-Miles as Delirium, Adrian Lester as Destiny, Barry Sloane as The Prodigal, Ruairi OConnor as Orpheus, Freddie Fox as Loki, Clive Russell as Odin, Laurence OFuarain as Thor, Ann Skelly as Nuala, Douglas Booth as Cluracan, Jack Gleeson as Puck, Indya Moore as Wanda, and Steve Coogan as the voice of Barnabas the dog.Returning cast includes Tom Sturridge as Dream, Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Ferdinand Kingsley as Hob Gadling, Stephen Fry as Gilbert, Asim Chaudhry as Abel, Sanjeev Bhaskar as Cain, Vanesu Samunyai as Rose Walker and Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall.VFX studios for Season 1 include Clear Angle Studios, Framestore, ILM, ILP, One of Us, Rodeo FX, and Untold Studios.News of the series conclusion comes on the heels of author Neil Gaimans axing from Dark Horse Comics due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Other casualties related to the scandal include a stage production of the Coraline musical, which was cancelled; Season 3 of Prime Videos Good Omens, which will now end with one 90-minute episode; Disneys feature adaptation of The Graveyard Book, which has paused production; and Netflixs Dead Boy Detectives series, which was cancelled after one season. The upcoming Prime Video Anansi Boys series has not yet been affected. Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

The suit aims to block the distribution of the iconic alien superheros IP in the U.K. and other territories without acquiring a license from the Estate.

Includes access to nearly 20,000 professional materials, models, and lighting environments without managing points.

Prolific author plays nice after previously bashing House of the Dragon Season 2 changes; the newseries, based on Martins novella The Hedge Knight, is set a century before Game of Thrones, and follows the exploits of two unlikely heroes.

The Visual Effects Society (VES) has just announced that actors-comedians Randy and Jason Sklar The Sklar Brothers - will host the 23rd Annual VES Awards on February 11th at The Beverly Hilton hotel. This marks the duos first hosting engagement of the annual celebration that recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation from around the world.No one understands the power of visual effects more than two identical humans, said one half of the VES Awards hosting team The Sklar Brothers. We are honored to have the opportunity to host the VES Awards. And if Randy isnt funny, well edit him out in post.The Sklar Brothers are known for their post-modern take on a stand-up comedy duo. Randy and Jason Sklar can currently be seen in the fourth season of FXs What We Do in The Shadows playing fictional Property Brothers Bran and Toby Daltry. The Sklars produced, wrote, and starred in The Nosebleeds, a UFC original series that released this summer on UFCs Fight Pass. The series is a hilarious deep dive into UFCs history featuring comedy sketches, field pieces, and in-studio character bits.The Sklars notably hosted and produced History Channels United Stats of America and created and starred in the ESPN cult hit series Cheap Seats, besides being guest hosts on Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle. Their television credits include Glow, Bajillion Dollar Properties, Maron, Agent Carter, Playing House, Partners, Greys Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Entourage, CSI, Law & Order and Comedy Central Presents. They released their special, Hipster Ghosts on Starz. They also recently produced the documentary, Poop Talk. The Sklars have had several appearances on both the TruTV Series Those Who Cant and AMCs hit series Better Call Saul.They can also be seen in Wild Hogs and The Comebacks, while their internet shows Held Up, Layers and Back on Topps have received critical acclaim. They also recurred as panelists on ESPNs SportsCenter and E!s Chelsea Lately. Their podcast View From the Cheap Seats (formerly Sklarbro Country) was nominated for best comedy podcast in 2012 at Comedy Centrals comedy awards and their new podcast Dumb People Town is averaging 75k downloads per episode in its first month. They are currently developing the pilot for Dumb People Town, based on the podcast, with Will Arnetts Electric Avenue and Val Kilmer Ruined Our Lives with Bill Lawrence.Awards in 25 categories for outstanding visual effects will be presented at the ceremony. Special honorees include: Golden Globe nominee and Emmy Award-winning actor- producer Hiroyuki Sanada, receiving the VES Award for Creative Excellence; Academy Award-winning director and Visual Effects Supervisor Takashi Yamazaki receiving the VES Visionary Award; and acclaimed Virtual Reality/Immersive Technology Pioneer Dr. Jacquelyn Ford Morie receiving the VES Georges Mlis Award.Source: Visual Effects Society Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.

The Borne Ultimatum writer replaces previous scribe Steven Knight; the untitled film follows the rebuilding of the New Jedi Order and the powers that rise to tear it down.