Monthly Archives: December 2014

No comments

Bob Iger On CG

  By Ju-osh M. • December 10, 2014 ,

1Variety reports: “[Walt Disney Co. chief Bob] Iger noted how the use of computer-generated graphics has made filmmaking seem ‘too easy.’ ‘There’s a sameness to a lot of these films today,’ Iger said. ‘The wow factor isn’t what it used to be.’”

Full disclosure: This out-of-context quote actually refers to J.J. Abrams’ use of practical effects in Star Wars Episode VII and NOT Disney/Pixar’s last few animated films. That said, if the shoe fits…

Click here to read the full Variety article.

No comments

‘Inside Out’ Trailer #2

  By Ju-osh M. • December 10, 2014 ,


My reaction? Not good. This is the first bit of Inside Out promo material that I haven’t loved. Judging from this trailer, it looks like one joke spread super-thin. And the gag about the dad thinking only of sports is bad, just bad. Pixar has proved itself capable of doing so much better than tired cliches. Still, I’m looking forward to it. Joy must be at the controls in my brain!

No comments

Every DreamWorks ‘Art Of’ Book…Ever

  By Ju-osh M. • December 8, 2014 ,

tumblr_ng505g7kuy1ske259o1_1280Believe it or not, the DreamWorks ‘Art Of’ books are a great gift for DreamWorks detractors. While they may not be enough to change anyone’s mind about the artistic merits of Turbo, they DO give a gorgeous glimpse at what could have been. I mean, YES — Shrek Forever After was CLEARLY a corporate cash-in, but did you see the eerie-as-f*ck concept art depicting Shrek’s decrepit tree stump home?! It’s AWESOME! But the only way you’re ever going to see it is by flipping through a copy of The Art of Shrek Forever After. The movie version was…blah.

Compiled after the jump are the covers and ordering info for each and every one of these books. There’s a bunch, so make sure you view on a full wallet.

(P.S. I love me some DreamWorks, but even I think Turbo was trash.) Continue reading

No comments

It’s Official:
Benedict Cumberbatch Is Doctor Strange

  By Ju-osh M. • December 4, 2014 ,

fyfs2o3kMarvel.com reports, “[Benedict Cumberbatch] will star in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay, will follow the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.”

Illustration by Jenny Harder

No comments

Impeccably Packaged & Endlessly Inspiring

  By Ju-osh M. • December 3, 2014 ,

24Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Nine Old Men: The Flipbooks

This box set of nine flipbooks pays tribute to Walt Disney’s legendary animators, The Nine Old Men: Les Clark, Eric Larson, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Ollie Johnston, Mark Davis, Wolfgang Reitherman, and Milt Kahl. In addition to the flipbooks, the set contains a booklet of brief bios about The Nine Old Men, written by amazing animators like Glen Keane, Andreas Deja and Ron Clements. (Pic and GIF via A113.)

No comments

Problem, Solution

  By Ju-osh M. • December 2, 2014 ,

3When it comes to hipster hobbies, knitting is second only to micro-brewing. When it comes to cartoon-loving kiddies, Frozen is second-to-none. So according to my iffy, imaginary pseudoscience, that makes Drunk Girl Designs‘ ‘Cold as Fuck’ mittens the nexus (nadir?) of 2014′s pop culture trends.

Curious? Crafty? Cold as fuck? Click here to purchase the pattern.

No comments

Animation Essentials:
Character Vs. Personality

  By Ju-osh M. • December 2, 2014 ,

2Comedy for Animators has put up a nice post explaining the difference between personality and character. Animation students, in particular, would do well to check it out. In an industry that uses the term ‘character animation’ almost as often as ‘outsourcing’ and ‘imminent layoffs,’ it’s important to understand the true meaning of the phrase. Click here to read.

No comments

R.I.P. Bob Baker

  By Ju-osh M. • December 1, 2014 ,

1Puppeteer Bob Baker died Friday of natural causes. He was 90.

Baker’s Marionette Theater in Los Angeles is — no exaggeration — one of my favorite spots on Earth. It’s like visiting Disneyland or Pee-Wee’s Playhouse in the magical way that it transports you back to the innocence and wonder of childhood. This ‘magic’ isn’t limited to the shows, either. Thanks to Baker’s innovative approach to entertaining his audience, the ENTIRE THEATER is brimming with l‘enchanté!

Continue reading

  • Skunk & Burning Tires is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com.