Category Archives: animation

Minoru: Memory of Exile – short film

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Minoru: Memory of Exile - short film

Minoru: Memory of Exile combines classical animation with archival material, and narrated by Minoru Fukushima. Directed by Michael Fukushima, Minoru’s son, the film shows the memories of a father interspersed with the voice of the son, weaving a tale of a birthright lost and recovered. The bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor thrust 9-year-old Minoru Fukushima into a world of racism so malevolent he would be forced to leave Canada, the land of his birth. Like thousands of other Japanese Canadians, Minoru and his family were branded as an enemy of Canada, dispatched to internment camps in British Columbia and finally deported to Japan. The 19 minute film has received numerous awards.

Watch more stories about WWII and internment camps: 442-Live with Honor, Die with Dignity, The Bridge : short film, Secret Identities – 9066, and Norman Y. Mineta: A Boy from San Jose.

Minoru: Memory of Exile – short film

Acting Through the Pencil with Mike Nguyen

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Acting Through the Pencil with Mike Nguyen

The International Academy of Film and Television is hosting an Animation Workshop at the Quest Learning Center with industry titan, Mike Nguyen, who worked magic for Disney, Dream Works Animation, and Warner Bros. Breathe life into your next animation project through stronger characterizations, more colorful expressions and subtle nuances! Discover the impact of acting in animations across CG, animated performance, directing, voice-over and live-action that translates into compelling character development and storytelling. This course is designed for animation filmmakers, including animators, directors and all other animation departments such as layout, backgrounds and character design. Participants in the workshop will learn how animation works, how to spot and create good character design, and even how to draw one of Mr. Nguyen’s beloved characters. Mr. Nguyen earned his stripes animating “Belle” for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast along with a list of many other loveable characters for films like, The Rescuer’s Down Under, The Little Mermaid, Space Jam, and The Iron Giant. He’s also developing his own independent animated film “My Little World“. Learn more about the workshop here.

Animation reel from Mike Nguyen

About IAFT
The International Academy of Film and Television was born to cultivate talent in Cebu, Philippines. From there it spread its campuses to Los Angeles, Miami, Palm Beach, and Hong Kong. The Academy prides itself on a “teaching by doing” philosophy that emphasizes practical learning over theory. With the anticipation of a new campus opening in Burbank this fall, IAFT Los Angeles is celebrating with a series of filmmaking, acting, and animation workshops.

Dragon Ball Forever with GakAttack

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Dragon Ball Forever

From the guy that brought you Potter Chan : Hogwart’s Action Hero comes a new short for an high energy live action version of Dragon Ball. He did this video for all of the Dragon Ball fans out there who were completely disappointed with the Hollywood version. Not only does Yung Lee (aka GakAttack) star in the short, but he also choreographed the fight sequences. Looks like we might see a new Freddie Wong emerging here.

Dragon Ball Forever Part 1

Dragon Ball Forever Part 2

Dragon Ball Forever Alternate ending

Making of Dragon Ball Forever

My Little World Trailer

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My Little World Trailer

My Little World is a work-in-progress hand-drawn animation theatrical feature, independently produced, in production since 2000 and currently with a tentative completion date set for spring/summer 2013. (That’s dedication!!) The film is directed by animator Mike Nguyen behind the animation of “Belle” for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast along with a list of many other loveable characters for films like The Rescuer’s Down Under, The Little Mermaid, Space Jam, and The Iron Giant. Here’s a synopsis of his animated film:

BLUE is a young boy who is overwhelmed by a certain sadness. To help him recover, his family sends him to visit his aunt for the summer. Here in a quiet country town, Blue looks to calm his restlessness. He is shy and withdrawn, but soon finds himself in the company of new friends, in particular a little girl named Tiny.

TINY is younger but very independent. Her infinite curiousity about nature and the world around her is contagious, especially to Blue. Through her eyes, Blue is reacquainted with the sky that stretches on forever and all the grandness from simple, ordinary, everyday life.

One day, through a casual soccer match with the Town Kids, led by Princess, Blue exposes his extraordinary soccer skill. Impressed by his talent, the Town Kids are drawn to Blue, and welcome him into the group. Feeling introverted and uneasy, Blue tries to detach. But in a town that lives and breathes soccer, Blue quickly finds himself entangled.

With bolstered confidence from their new team member, the Town Kids stage a run for the championship in a local self-made soccer tournament, hoping to dethrone the undisputed champ Buffalo Boys. The game is played wherever there are children: amongst the trees, up the mountain, on a riverbank, and even in a submerged rice field, having to dart in between wallowing water buffaloes.

On a magical night under the stars, Blue is finally able to let go of his hurt and embrace life in all its beauty. The summer ends in a climactic soccer match with the entire town cheering on. Blue has found himself in an ever larger circle of friends. In the end, he returns home with a new understanding, and his life remains changed forever.

Learn more about the project here.

My Little World Trailer

Voltron Force: cartoon remake

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The 80’s classic cartoon Voltron, specifically Lion Force Voltron, is getting a remake. The Defender of the Universe returns with a new look and revamped cast. Since its launch in 1984, the original robot-action show has become a massive pop-culture success. The series’ signature maneuver of combining forces to attain a common goal has resonated with many. Here’s more on the new cartoon:

Several years after the final battle between the Voltron Force and Prince Lotor, a new evil threatens the galaxy, and the universe is once again in need of its true defender…

Set five years after Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Voltron Force follows three new recruits – Daniel, Vince and Larmina – as they get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train alongside their heroes – Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge and Allura – and learn to fly incredible robot lions. The series will journey to new planets, discover new powers and unearth ancient secrets. Voltron will be needed once again to combat a rising evil in the galaxy and a tyrant from within. Bonds will be formed, friendships will be tested and plenty of laughs will be had as the Voltron Force gels together as a team in an epic battle of good versus evil.

The new Voltron Force premieres June 16, 2011 on Nicktoons. What do you think of a Voltron remake?

Voltron Force Intro (New)

Voltron Force Formation (New)

Lion Force Voltron (Original)

More about Voltron
Voltron is the king of robots. It is made up of five robotic lions that combine to form a mighty metallic warrior, sworn to defend the universe. Voltron is capable of inflicting colossal blows, making giant leaps, and is armed with lasers, sabers, missiles, and the invincible Blazing Sword!

Fueled by the Power of the Lions, found within the new Voltron Force cadets, Voltron returns more powerful than ever. Key to the mighty robot’s new abilities is the power to reconfigure, allowing each lion to form the head, and arming Voltron with the specific powers of that lion.