How to Introduce a Universe in 3 Minutes
Learn how the Cellarius team created an animated launch short to introduce Earthlings to its transmedia cyberpunk franchise that leverages blockchain tech and user-generated assets to create a collaborative, fan-curated story. Yep, we can see how summing up this story universe in a trailer would be a challenge!
TICKETS ON SALE: Chuck Jones Center Red Dot Auction May 11
Orange County biz WoodSnap is teaming up with the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity to present the 8th annual auction, which raises funds for the Center’s programs. A selection of WoodSnap photographers’ work printed on birch wood will be offered in a special section — alongside work by more than 100 international artists. This silent auction has a fun twist: Artists sign on the back of their work, so bidders can follow their heart without the distraction of names. Tickets are $25 until May 10, when they go up to $35. You can view the catalog and pre-bid online.
“The artists who are participating come from all levels of notoriety, skill, and accomplishment, from students to emerging to established artists; we reached out around the world hoping to capture the imagination and appreciation of these artists. We are thankful that they were willing to help us achieve our goal of promoting creativity by providing a nurturing environment where it may grow and blossom,” said Craig Kausen, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Center. “We are particularly honored to have Andy Brown and his team at WoodSnap participate and donate their time and talent to our fundraising efforts.”
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Zero Plus Fest
The 5th International Festival of Films for Children and Youth is set for October 1-17 in the Siberian city of Tyumen, Russia. A member of the European Children’s Film Association, the event also runs workshops for kids & youths as well as young filmmakers, lectures, and creative sessions, and a Film Pedagogy forum for teachers, parents, media experts and creators. The festival is accepting features, shorts, and educational/documentary/popular science works completed after Jan. 2013 by the May 15, 2018 deadline. Organizers are also seeking special industry guests.
Production begins on ‘The One and Only Ivan’ Hybrid Adaptation
Walt Disney Studios is kicking into gear at Pinewood Studios on the live-action/CG adaptation of Katherine Applegate’s award-winning book — the incredible true story of a uniquely talented gorilla and the other animals who share a communal habitat at a suburban shopping mall. Danny DeVito and Helen Mirren have just joined the cast list, which features four-time Emmy winner Bryan Cranston, Ramon Rodriguez, Arianna Greenblatt, Indira Varma, and Eleanor Matsuura.
Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) is directing from a screenplay by Mike White (The School of Rock); producers are Oscar and Golden Globe winner Angelina Jolie (The Breadwinner), the late Allison Shearmur (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Cinderella) and Brigham Taylor (Christopher Robin, The Jungle Book).
WATCH: ‘Teen Titans GO! to the Movies’ Official Trailer
While a rift remains among DC fans about WB Animation and Cartoon Network’s irreverent, ultra-cartoony take on the heroic squad, those who love TTG are in for a treat July 27 if this first true trailer is anything to go by! The spot promises some choice self-referential DC humor (“There was a Green Lantern movie — but we don’t talk about that.”) a nod to comic house rivalries (like a very defensive Slade who is not Deadpool!) and more than your recommended daily allowance of waffles.
WATCH: ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’ Official Trailer
It takes two to make a thing go ri-ight! Marvel has given a glimpse at more of the big (and very big) and small (and very small) surprises in store for audiences when the sequel arrives in theaters July 6. Director Peyton Reed returns to follow the size-shifting hero Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) as he’s tasked by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission: Suit up, learn to work with The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and uncover some big secrets from the past.
Also starring are Michael Pena, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip “T.I.” Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder-Fortson, Randall Park, with Michelle Pfeiffer, with Laurence Fishburne.
