Rhinofx Recreates Post-War Germany For The Reader
January 21, 2009Ever expanding their feature film credits, Rhinofx recently completed the VFX work for The Weinstein Company’s highly-touted feature, The Reader, starring Ray Fiennes and Kate Winslet. The film tells a complex story of post-WWII Germany, with the secrets and mysteries of the Nazi-era unraveling across four decades. Rhinofx was enlisted to do extensive effects work on the film, delivering the realistic feel of the changing backdrop of the country and the destruction still evident throughout the region. The historic drama is the product of Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Daldry, known for the acclaimed work on both Billy Elliot and The Hours. The film opened in limited release on December 10th, and has been extremely well-received, already claiming one Golden Globe and several award nominations.
VFX Supervisor Jim Rider explains, “Stephen wanted to make every detail and setting as realistic as possible. Because Germany has evolved so much since 1955, we were called in to recreate the country and time, and really enhance the sense of accuracy and authenticity. It was definitely a challenge, but the results add another layer of depth and credibility to the storyline.”The footage, shot on location in Germany, was modified to reflect the postwar restoration period. Transforming and deconstructing the modern landscape, the Rhinofx team used effects work to bomb out and board up buildings, blow holes in roofs, and leave ruins reminiscent of the war-torn country.
“We’ve really established a unique position in New York, and across other major markets by taking both character-driven and effects-driven features that entail very technical execution. Because of our studio’s talent and in-house resources, we are able to deliver the entire spectrum of CG and 3D visual solutions, as well as the overall finishing that truly enhances the quality of any film.” Camille Geier, Rhino’s COO.
Rhinofx has broadened their ability to deliver full-service VFX for a wide range of feature types. Working out of their Connecticut film studio, Rhinofx has recently contributed their efforts to Dimension Films’ Soul Men, as well as David Keopp’s Ghost Town for Dreamworks. In addition, Rhino is currently finishing work on I Love You Philip Morris, a dark comedy starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, which is set to debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January as part of the Premieres category.
About Rhinofx: Since its launch in 2000, Rhinofx has created award-winning visual effects, design, and animation for commercials, VFX for feature films, episodic television, webisodic mini-series, and videogame cinematics. The company’s principals and artists have also led the industry’s exploration into the boundless potential of branded digital content. By cultivating extensive relationships with key brands, advertising agencies, and film/TV studios, Rhinofx utilizes its creative directors and artists to develop and execute powerful branded entertainment to build both identity and awareness.
Planet 51 Somewhere Far Far Away
January 21, 2009“Somewhere far far away, there is a place where everything is simple, children are care free and everything is pleasant”. This is Planet 51, a world without troubles where everyone lives happily ever after … until one Thanksgiving holiday. Directed by Jorge Blanco and scripted by Joe Stillman (Shrek & Shrek2), Planet 51 is an animated movie from Ilion Animation Studios in Spain, and stars the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Gary Oldman and John Cleese.
About Ilion Animation Studios
Ilion Animation Studios was founded in 2002 to create state-of-the-art computer animated movies for worldwide theatrical release using its own purpose-built cutting-edge technology. Ilion Animation Studios and companies Zed and Pyro Studios, were founded and are run by Ignacio Perez Dolset (CEO of Ilion and Pyro) and Javier Perez Dolset (CEO of Zed).
Zed develops and markets entertainment and community products and services for mobile and the Internet. Pyro Studios, creator of the international best-seller video game saga Commandos, is dedicated to latest generation video game development for the international market.
Autodesk Games Show Reel Call for Submissions
January 21, 2009Looking to show off your company’s talent? Be part of the Autodesk Games Show Reel 2009! Submit your recent video-game cinematics, trailers, in-game sequences, or animations created with any or a combination of the following Autodesk animation products: Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Maya®, Autodesk® MotionBuilder®, Autodesk® Mudbox™, Autodesk® Kynapse®, Autodesk® HumanIK®, and Softimage®|XSI® software. This year, Autodesk are particularly interested in high-definition (HD) material. Of course, video submissions in other formats are still most welcome. The Games Show Reel will be showcased at GDC 2009, March 25 – 27, 2009, in San Francisco. It will be featured in the Autodesk booth and on the exhibition floor. The deadline for video content submissions is Friday, February 6, 2009. Show Off Your High-Res Images Autodesk are also interested in receiving high-resolution images—up to 300 dpi—for inclusion in their marketing material leading up to and surrounding the show. How to Submit Your Work To learn more about how to submit your work, including contact information and procedures to follow for submission follow this link: http://usa.autodesk.com Visit Autodesk at GDC 2009 Visit Autodesk at Moscone Center, North Hall, booth # 5716.Continue reading
