DreamWorks Spends $85 million in Upgrades for 3-D

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. has embarked on an expansion project at its Glendale campus to modernize its production studio for the transition to 3-D animated films.

The renovation and addition to the Lakeside Building adds 100,000 square feet and makes the structure the production hub for the studio best known for the “Shrek” franchise.

The $85 million project that started this year is about creating the best possible environment for the artists, said John Batter, president of production.

“It will house our entire production department with all the specialty spaces they need and will be the ideal space to be,” Batter said.

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Now, Shakti Samanta classics in animated form

Three of veteran director Shakti Samanta's memorable films - Howrah Bridge, Amar Prem and Barsaat Ki Ek Raat - are all set to get animated, thanks to filmmaker Pritish Nandy.

"This is my homage to one of the most underrated filmmakers of the country. When I met Mr. Samanta, he was so pleased to know his films would reach out to a new generation," Nandy told IANS.

"Howrah Bridge is one of my favourite noire films. The magic of Sachin Dev Burman's music, the chemistry between Ashok Kumar and Madhubala and the seductive charm of Ashok Kumar's baritone - all that I want to capture in animation form," he added.

The film will be produced under his banner Pritish Nandy Communications, which has made films like Jhankaar Beats, Chameli and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.

Why these films from Samanta's oeuvre? Why not the other classics like Aradhana, Amanush and Kati Patang?

"I've chosen Howrah Bridge, Amar Prem and Barsaat Ki Ek Raat because they not only represent three phases in Mr. Samanta's career but also three generations of superstars - Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.

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My Friend Ganesha 2, promises to be another great 2D animated film

My Friend Ganesha 2, promises to be another great 2D animated film, explains director Rajiv Ruia

Second part
Last year, when we made My Friend Ganesha it won intense adulation from cinegoers.As a mark of completion of the film we had organised Ganesh Puja. On the day of the immersion, we went to Juhu beach to immerse the idol. When people came to know that the makers of My Friend Ganesha had come to the beach, they swarmed us like bees, many of them saying that they had brought home idols of Lord Ganesha after their children, who were dumstruck after watching our film, insisted. That gave us an impetus to make My Friend Ganesha 2.

Strong Point
My Friend Ganesha, our first film was the country’s first 2D composite film (a film mixed with live action and animation). This film combines the animation character of Lord Ganesh with real life characters to create a fascinating tale of a young boy, who befriends young Lord Ganesha.

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Channel 4 creates 'home for animation'

4mations: Day with the Devil, one of the animations on the site

Channel 4 has created what it hopes will be an online home for the UK's animation community, rolling out an advertising-supported, YouTube-style site that will pay animators for their work.

4mations.tv has been in development for two years and launched in a trial form this week with 200 animations from Channel 4's extensive archive. Amateur animators are also invited to upload their own work.

The project is a collaboration with Aardman, the Bristol-based independent producer behind Wallace and Gromit, and the animation specialists Lupus Films.

4mations includes comedy, adult, sci-fi and 3D work along with games and specialist groups. Users can vote on clips, upload their own work and embed their favourite clips on their own websites and social networks.

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