It's been a while since I've done one of these. A lot has happened and I'll try to touch on a few of them.
Digital Domain seems to be making a big push to expand. Not only have they announced the opening of a large studio in Florida (You can guess the reason for that location. It certainly wasn't because of the talent base!) to do features. They also seem to be opening studios in several other locations. San Francisco, Vancouver, Sydney, London, India, Florida and of course the original LA. Their work continues to be bits of films, commercials, and now, their big moves into doing a CG feature. As far as I understand, the features will be done entirely in Florida. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see much of it shipped to India. This will be interesting to watch. I don't really have an opinion on how successful they'll be or not. However, I can't help but think they are expanding way too fast for their own good. Let's wait and see.
DreamWorks just recently made an announcement that Kevin Lima was coming back to direct another animated film. For those of you not aware, he temporarily left animation to direct a live action film (albeit with animation in it). I'm glad he is coming back. Usually when an animated film director goes on to live action, they never really return. This DreamWorks film also marks a first. It will be their first film to be entirely produced in India! Oh boy. Here we go.
There is an interesting video on YouTube called A Day in the Life of John Lasseter. It was quite good and worth a watch. Nice house he has there! I don't really have much to say other than go watch it if you haven't already.
I've been hearing rumblings about a couple of CG films. These are one-off productions. Both directed by the same guy who developed a CG feature you've probably seen. Film #1 is already funded and will be distributed by a major studio. Unfortunately, it seems to be in story hell right now with the executives offering wayyy too much input. Sound familiar? Film #2 is not fully funded yet, but has a portion. This one may actually go into production before film #1 (the one that is funded and has distribution)! Both films have good stories.
Someone asked in the comments about that studio I used to bring up from time to time. As said in a previous post from quite a while ago. I've lost hope in them. If they haven't gotten funding by now, it probably won't happen unless one or both of the following happen. A) A change in leadership and/or B) Slimming down the plans and asking for less $$. I've pretty much erased them from my watch list. So don't hold your breathe. They made the mistake of trying to go too big too fast. While it was an impressive list of films, producers, directors, and a very well thought-out business plan, $800 or so million is just hard to pull together these days.
That's it for now. As I settle back into animation world, I'll have more to say.
3 comments:
I doubt dd animated features will come to fruition for the same reason their IPO flopped a few years back: they've never created content. They're only, to date, a service company. Hiring second rate animation talent from the defunct Disney Florida studio won't help when it comes to finding distribution. Even the "director" of Pixar's biggest flop, brad lewis, is going there.
i am sorry, but do you know which hedge fond is behind DD's expansion?
hey! it's been over a year! how about another post or two? I enjoy your somewhat snarky take on the industry.
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