Macabre movies miss the mark Oct 31, 2009
" (Sober will be showing "Masque" at his monthly Film Talk series Oct. 31, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Pratt's central library, 400 Cathedral St.) George Figgs, a film historian and exhibitor who ran the much-missed Orpheum theater in Fells Point, suspects Poe's best work has, until recently, been beyond the scope of what was possible. "Before now, with the state that CGI has gotten to, it would have been impossible to really materialize Poe's visions on the screen without looking silly,"... (FOX59, IN)
Game on for Kenny crew's new film Oct 30, 2009
"At the same time, he was doing an ad that was totally frustrating him because the CGI [computer-generated imagery] component was taking so long.". Mr Shomos says using game technology for the background action ensures the production is fast and cheap and the quality of the visuals has improved dramatically in recent years. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Inside 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' From The New York Debut Oct 28, 2009
It's here that 10 dancers will be turned into thousands via CGI technology to pair with "They Don't Care About Us," a single from 1995's HIStory. The green screen is also the place where directors create a film-noir mash-up of scenes from classics like "Gilda" and "The Big Sleep," into which Jackson is inserted, running from machine-gun fire and jumping through a glass window a big introductory number for "Smooth Criminal." Filmed in Culver City as well is a 3-D short for "Thriller" with a huge... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Duke initiatives place Rogers in the spotlight Oct 28, 2009
It is still too early to see the fruits of Duke s efforts in China, says Robert Harrison, CGI chief executive ... The electric vehicle commitment reinforces another trend CGI would like to see grow cooperation on energy issues within the utility industry. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
'Assassin's Creed' debuts on YouTube Oct 28, 2009
To create a complimentary look between the games and films, the visual effects studio combined live action and computer generated imagery (CGI), including motion-capture ("mo-cap") technology and green-screening at Ubisoft's Montreal studio, where actors are suited up with body sensors and special cameras then import their fluid movements into a computer. "The Lineage film series is for both Assassin's Creed fans as well as non-gamers -- if not more for the latter group because we already have... (USA Today -- Tech)
Evergreen Films and New York Times Bestselling Author, Dana Stabenow, Sign Alaska-Centric Television Deal Oct 28, 2009
Evergreen's team of industry pioneers (in digital filmmaking, CGI animation and 3D) is backed by the best digital technology in the business. Fully equipped production studios in Anchorage and Los Angeles put Evergreen in the heart of Hollywood, while simultaneously allowing the company to grow the film industry in Alaska, which recently passed a top tier film incentive program. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Sebelius: Vaccine Will be Ready in Time Oct 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2009. Health Secretary Encouraged People Turned Away From H1N1 Lines to Return. (CBS News)
Rolling on the river Oct 27, 2009
Those insiders also told us that the guy sitting second from left in the boat has big red dots drawn all over his mug (see inset) so that Timberlake s face can be superimposed over it with the help of CGI. (Word is that Timberlake won t be shooting any of his scenes in Boston. Ah, the magic of cinema. (Boston Globe)
Philly Transit Workers Authorize Strike Oct 26, 2009
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 25, 2009. Possible Strike Comes Less Than a Week Before Phillies Play Home World Series Game. (CBS News)
8 Hidden Gems in Windows 7 Oct 21, 2009
It supports a technique called tessellation borrowed from CGI movies to add tons of detail without slowing gameplay. Games that will support DX11 s improved graphics include "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat" and Dirt 2 and they'll ship this year, not some distant point in the future. (Fox News)
Will 2009 Oscar Race Be More Animated? Oct 21, 2009
In a movie year which has seen a surfeit of animation, from CGI and traditional hand-drawn to stop-motion and claymation, competition in the Best Animated Feature category is unusually tight ... "Astro Boy," based on the 1960s TV cartoon series; "Battle for Terra," a CGI saga of intergalactic war; "A Christmas Carol," a 3-D rendition of the Charles Dickens tale from the director of "The Polar Express," using performance capture to re-animate Jim Carrey; "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,"... (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Will Wild Things be a monster hit? Oct 17, 2009
I was expecting a lot of CGI where the fur would be rendered, strand for strand, plus acid-trip visuals that would show what a vivid, hip imagination such as Jonze's can do with all the resources the Warner Bros' treasure chest can 00004000 offer. So did Warners, which is why the film is coming out a full year after it was first scheduled, following a succession of back-room battles that Jonze describes as "horrible". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
'Wild Things Are' gets it right Oct 17, 2009
It's a forest with real trees growing in the ground, even if they're pocked with CGI holes where the wild things have swiped them. Jonze's regular cinematographer, Lance Acord, shoots fantasy with the simplicity of a home movie, with occasional shakes and wobbles and beautiful accidents. (CNN)
Wild Things proves no book is unfilmable Oct 15, 2009
A combination of live action, animatronics and CGI animation an expensive and complicated process, the director admitted was used to bring the 9-foot-tall title characters to life ... Steven Spielbergs 1993 version of the Michael Crichton novel Jurassic Park became the highest-grossing film of all time to that point, thanks to the combination of Stan Winstons animatronics and the nascent CGI technology that created the movies dinosaurs. (MSNBC -- News)
Hawaii making it hard to dodge your taxes Oct 13, 2009
-based CGI Group Inc., was paid $16 million from the delinquent tax collections. CGI Group was awarded a non-compete contract to collect delinquent taxes ... Under its contract signed Jan. 22, 2008, CGI Group paid all up-front costs associated with running the delinquent tax collection project, including computer upgrades and postage fees. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Oh, the horror show Oct 13, 2009
He says he might use CGI sparingly to augment certain scenes, but those killer puppets are there, either manipulated in stop-action or operated by puppeteers ... "I think CGI used very sparingly - or, if you have a huge budget, which we don't, used correctly - has its place. My films are more organic." ... When it comes to his treasured puppets, building them from scratch is the only option: "To do that in CGI is almost a betrayal of where I am from," he says. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Entertainment Weekly's Picks of the Week Oct 12, 2009
Not true, says Jonze and producer Vincent Landay, though both admit the production was a long, challenging process -- from finding a naturalistic way to depict the fantasy world ("I wanted everything to feel like it had really happened, not fabricated with CGI," says Jonze) to filming in the remote wilderness of Australia to getting emotionally resonant performances from Records, the puppet monsters, and the voice cast (including James Gandolfini and Forest Whitaker). Laughs Jonze, "We made it... (CNN -- Showbiz)
Bizarre deaths imitate Hollywood storylines Oct 12, 2009
With his stunt background, Ellis refuses to use computer generated special effects (CGI) unless there is no way around it. Most of the stunts in The Final Destination involve actors or stunt men and women. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Twist of fate Oct 12, 2009
With his stunt background, Ellis refuses to use computer generated special effects (CGI) unless there is no way around it ... "That's what I like to do. "CGI is a great effect and tool, but I love to do real action when I can. (The Age, Australia)
The 'Wild' side Oct 12, 2009
Jonze shunned CGI, asking Jim Henson s Creature Shop to spend eight months fabricating elaborate costumes ... Jonze shunned CGI, asking Jim Henson s Creature Shop to spend eight months fabricating elaborate costumes. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
CGI gets $29 million financial services hosting contract from GSA Oct 10, 2009
CGI Federal will host the agency's new version of the Integrated Financial System ... CGI Federal Inc. won the $29 million, five-year contract to provide s financial management system ... Under the contract awarded by the agency's Chief Financial Officer Office, CGI will transition GSA to a new system that is also designed provide greater capacity, GSA officials said. (FCW.com)
CGI to continue support for GSA financial services Oct 10, 2009
CGI Federal will continue to support the General Services Administrations financial management system under a new five-year, $32 million contract. CGI will provide support of GSAs Integrated Financial System, GSA officials announced today ... The system is based on CGIs Momentum Financials software, company officials said. (FCW.com)
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs at the Arclight Hollywood Theaters Includes Filmmaker Q&A on Sunday Night Oct 10, 2009
Sony Pictures Animation exemplifies the next generation of CGI storytelling to produce a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. Sony Pictures Animation has a full slate of films including the mouth-watering 3D comedy CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS which opened as the #1 movie in North America on September 18, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, now in pre-production and, in association with Columbia Pictures, THE SMURFS MOVIE, also in pre-production. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Guest Editorial: Troy Teamwork Oct 8, 2009
Thanks to the teamwork of Governor Bob Riley's Alabama development office together with the team of Troy City Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and Troy University officials, CGI, a Canadian based, international computer software company, announced it will open a new operation in Troy, Alabama. CGI will bring over 300 well paying computer related jobs to the area over the next three years ... What attracted CGI to Troy. (WSJA.com, AL)
Tech Mergers and Acquisitions: Coming Back to Life Oct 7, 2009
" Make no mistake, this is not a replay of the late 1990s, when frenzied private-equity players and venture capitalists tripped over each other in a mad dash to snap up the next best tech company and paid outrageous prices for starry-eyed growth forecasts. Today's deals involve strategic buyers, who are seeking out companies with solid track records and real customers. "People are focused on buying proven businesses and technologies as opposed to ideas and dreams," says Moriarty. The bar is also... (Time.com)
Read more... Oct 1, 2009
UPS and The UPS Foundation announced the multi-faceted strategy at the 2009 Annual Meeting, where the company was recognized for its CGI "Commitment to Action.". In launching the initiative, UPS and The UPS Foundation announced major donations to organizations committed to disaster preparedness and relief. (PNN Online)
Guns & Popcorn Sep 30, 2009
Filmed in a real-life district of Soweto, it is shot using a compelling blend of documentary-style camera work and voiceovers, spliced with impressive CGI.. What has rendered the film such a success is not only the wild and unceasing action, but its more subtle political dimension. (The American Conservative)
CGI Group building center in Alabama Sep 26, 2009
CGI Group to build center in Alabama, create 300 jobs - Washington Business Journal ... CGI Group to build center in Alabama, create 300 jobs ... CGI Group (NYSE: GIB) will build its newest U.S. Center of Excellence in Pike County to provide information technology services to commercial and government clients globally. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
New company, 300 jobs, coming to Troy Sep 26, 2009
TROY, AL - Governor Bob Riley announced that CGI Group Inc., a company that provides information technology and business process services, will bring 300 new jobs to Pike County ... "Alabama is honored to welcome CGI and proud that the company has chosen our state for this new high-tech facility. The hundreds of new jobs coming here will mean more opportunities and brighter futures for so many Alabama families," said Governor Riley ... Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is one of the largest... (WSJA.com, AL)
Virginia IT firm coming to Troy Sep 26, 2009
CGI Group, founded in 1976, has 26,000 employees across 16 countries. Its U.S. headquarters are in Fairfax, Va. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Summaries and scores Sep 26, 2009
CGI -- A.Donnald 1 run (D.Burton kick); CED -- J.Pappas 43 pass from C.Goodnight (C.Hooker kick); CGI -- D.Burton 16 run (D.Burton kick); CGI -- D.Burton 16 run (D.Burton kick failed) ... Rushing:CED--B.Burnette 13-29, Coleman 5-2, J.Geary 4-9, C.Goodnight 2-(-9), C.Hooker 1-2, C.Pappas 1-0; CGI--E.Albright 2-2, T.Buckley 5-9, D.Burton 8-41, A.Donnald 25-97, B.Grazen 7-(-1), M.Koch 1-(-7) ... Passing:CED--C.Goodnight 4-4-69-0, C.Pappas 1-4-(-7)-1; CGI--D.Burton 6-13-112-1. (News & Observer -- Sports)
In ‘Surrogates,’ living the simulated life Sep 25, 2009
Their faces have been given a CGI makeover, for one thing, so that they all look like extras from The Polar Express. A subway car full of Surrogates heading home from work is an eerie sight that may hit home with anyone who s had a bad day; a glimpse of hundreds of soldiers fighting an overseas war from their stim-chairs is a frightening notion the movie doesn t pursue. (Boston Globe)
Manpower Inc. President of Corporate and Government Affairs David Arkless to Fill Key Leadership Role Thursday at Fifth Annual Clinton Global Initiative Sep 24, 2009
Since its founding in 2005 by former President Bill Clinton, more than 80 current and former heads of state; hundreds of leading CEOs, philanthropists, and NGO leaders; and 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Prize laureates have attended CGI. This year, US President Barack Obama and leading voices from every sector are taking action on solving four major global challenges: innovation, infrastructure, human capital and the global economy. Through programs initiated by its local operations throughout... (PR Newswire)
Innovation a Top Priority at Clinton Global Initiative Sep 24, 2009
as a driver of worldwide economic recovery and growth is the key theme at the Fifth Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, a gathering of top CEOs and world leaders that opened on Sept. 22 in New York and continues through Friday, Sept. 25 ... Only members of the CGI, a nonprofit, nonpartisan arm of the William J. Clinton Foundation, can attend the event ... And Stuart Hart, a professor at Cornell University's Johnson School of Management who serves as the CGI's innovation topic head at... (BusinessWeek)
President Clinton Hosts Special Session on Northern Ireland; Announces New Commitments Focused on Harnessing Innovation for Development Sep 24, 2009
The second day of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) came to a close with a special session on Northern Ireland, following afternoon plenary and breakout sessions that focused on harnessing innovation for development ... The Fifth Annual Meeting of CGI will continue until Friday. (PR Newswire)
AmeriCares Expands Medical Assistance Across the United States Sep 24, 2009
With its CGI Commitment, AmeriCares aims to:Increase the value of medical products delivered from $20 million annually to $40 million;Expand program from 160 clinics in 30 states to 260 health care organizations in all 50 states;Introduce targeted initiatives for patients with asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease;Identify critical supply gaps by conducting needs assessments and product surveys;Secure product donations from U.S. pharmaceutical companies to address gaps. As part of its CGI... (AlertNet)
President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton Address the Opening Plenary Session of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative Sep 23, 2009
"Since 2005, it has become clear that CGI has found an effective model for addressing challenges around the world. Our members have made more than 1,400 commitments affecting more than 200 million people around the world. Because of their efforts, more than 10 million children have access to a better education, 48 million people have better health care, and more than 12 people million have safe drinking water. But there is still work to be done." ... Established in 2005 by President Bill... (PR Newswire)
TransFair USA, Cordes Foundation and Green Mountain Coffee Announce Commitment to Action at Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative Sep 23, 2009
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- TransFair USA, the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States, in partnership with the Cordes Foundation and Green Mountain Coffee today announced a Commitment to Action at the 2009 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to fight poverty among small farmers in Rwanda by enabling them to sell more Fair Trade Certified coffee. Commitment partners will work to develop consumer mobilization strategies to increase demand for Fair... (PR Newswire)
Halo 3: ODST Sep 22, 2009
While the human characters are standard CGI, the Covenant detail is rich. The gameplay itself was slow in the beginning and had periods of search and wander that Halo fans may not be accustomed to. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Meyers Movie Blog #7 - Back To School Sep 17, 2009
The majority of the movie going people around the world have grown tired of the lackluster CGI effects and unrealistic characters. The "new wave" of superhero movies still incorporate fantasy characters with a dose of reality. (Umassathletics.com)
More of this story Sep 16, 2009
Several teachers throughout the building attended CGI (Cognitive Guided Instruction) Math training ... CGI training has enhanced this progress Kindergarten through Third Grade ... The CGI training, curriculum mapping and alignment, test preparation material and remediation set up has been the determining factor. (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
Race Issue Simmers in Joe Wilson Flap Sep 16, 2009
Washington Post: Some Black Lawmakers Feel Racism Has Fueled Heated Anti-Obama Rhetoric. S.C. congressman Joe Wilson's son Alan Wilson spoke with Maggie Rodriguez and defended his father's outburst during President Obama's speech. (CBS News)
When tragedy strikes Sep 16, 2009
Since disaster movies of this scale had not been made in South Korea before, Youn sought the expertise of American CGI specialist, Polygon Entertainment (Star Wars series, The Day After Tomorrow and Perfect Storm) ... Having had a taste of top-notch CGI while making Tsunami At Haeundae, Youn looks forward to continue making films that involve both high levels of storytelling as well as advanced technology. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Kodak's Cinesite Wins Emmy Award For 'Generation Kill' Special Effects Sep 15, 2009
For Cinesite: Courtney Vanderslice-Law, Visual Effects Producer; Paul Edwards, Visual Effects Producer; Ken Dailey, Visual Effects Producer; Stephane Paris, CGI Supervisor, David Sewell, Lead Visual Effects Compositor; Stuart Partridge, Lead Visual Effects Compositor; and Jean-Paul Rovela, Lead CGI Artist. Cinesite was also nominated for an Emmy Award in the same special effects category for another HBO production, Into The Storm. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Thousands in D.C. Protest Gov't Spending Sep 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2009. Opponents Fill Pennsylvania Avenue, Blasting Obama's Health Care Reform Plan, Other Fiscal Policies. (CBS News)
A look at this fall’s movies Sep 13, 2009
The princess is an African-American named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), the setting is New Orleans, and the animation is hand-drawn, after years of CGI. Songs by Randy Newman. DECEMBER 18 Avatar Twelve years after Titanic, director James Cameron returns with a tale of interspecies love and war. (Boston Globe)
Poll: Support for Public Option Grows Sep 12, 2009
CBS News Poll Shows More Americans Support a Government-Sponsored Health Care Option After the President's Speech to Congress. New polls show that President Obama did change some minds with his health care reform speech before congress. (CBS News)
'Scooby-Doo00004000! The Mystery Begins' Sep 12, 2009
Scooby-Doo himself is rendered in CGI, less elaborately than in the theatrical films. And while there is something disquieting at times about his semi-dimensional rendering, he is arguably better animated here than in the hand-drawn original, whose signature moves -- like running in place in the air, to the sound of percussion -- he replicates, even as he moves and acts more often like an actual dog. (FOX59, IN)
Since When Isn't It OK to Insult the President? Sep 11, 2009
It's a post apocalyptic CGI film in which machines have obliterated mankind, and small robots get into adventures, not to be confused with District 9, about aliens trapped on earth in South Africa who aren't to be confused with the Springboks. or to post comments. (Slate)
'9' visually stunning, but story lacks depth Sep 10, 2009
They wanted to create a movie with the same rich look and texture of other recent CGI movies, but they had a smal 00002B9E ler budget than those films. Ksander wouldn't talk specifics, but he says "9" cost about one-third of what big animation studios like Disney and Pixar spend. (Fresno Bee)
Africa: Trying to Work From the Same Weather Page Sep 10, 2009
com: Africa: Trying to Work From the Same Weather Page (Page 1 of 1). Africa: Trying to Work From the Same Weather Page. (allAfrica.com)
CGI Set to Spend $2 Billion Buying Businesses in U.S., Europe, Chief Says Sep 9, 2009
CGI May Spend $2 Billion to Buy Businesses Abroad (Update1) - Bloomberg ... CGI May Spend $2 Billion to Buy Businesses Abroad (Update1) ... CGI, based in Montreal, is looking to tap the growing demand for computer services in the U.S. and Western Europe amid the recession as companies look to save money by automating and outsourcing work. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Grind house cinema for the kiddies Sep 7, 2009
The CGI accompanying this various stunts has a lo-fi style familiar from the Spy Kids films: bright, blocky and out of place to the extreme. The look fits the outlandish nature of Shorts, but looks bad nonetheless. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
"Death Panels" Born in Heartland Hospital Sep 5, 2009
com) This story was written by Alec MacGillis ... "In our community," he said, "people don't want to die hooked up to machines." By Alec MacGillis. (CBS News)
Hollywood Executives Clamor Over 'Sad Zilch' Sep 1, 2009
A consummate work of social criticism, The Unbearable Sadness of Zilch is a treatise on existentialism, modernism, and the emergence of nouveau feminism with a vivacity that puts artificial computer generated imagery (CGI) and hackneyed melodrama to shame. Set in Hollywood Neo-noir, and guided by an intrepid philosophical counselor (or life coach), we investigate The Lost Love of the Latest Tycoon, examining the role of the muse, the magnificent intemperate impulses of the femme fatale, and the... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Global Chip Sales Increase 5.3% Month-Over-Month Sep 1, 2009
Global Chip Sales Increase 5. 3% Month-Over-Month at SmartMoney. (SmartMoney)
Africa: Govts Demand Billions Over Climate Change Aug 29, 2009
com: Africa: Continent Puts Price On Climate Adaptation Aid (Page 1 of 1). Africa: Continent Puts Price On Climate Adaptation Aid. (allAfrica.com)
Keeping it real imaginative Aug 28, 2009
Though he's still tough on his own children, having derided Goro for his overuse of violence and computer-generated imagery (CGI) in Tales from Earthsea. Usually Miyazaki allows a maximum of 10 per cent CGI, though with Ponyo he wanted to stay pure. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Suicidal Planet on Death Spiral into Star Aug 27, 2009
Man, you feel like you're RIGHT IN THERE, cheap CGI rendering and all. by woeisme1 August 26, 2009 4:31 PM EDT. (CBS News)
'District 9' hits theaters Aug 26, 2009
After a long summer of movies bloated with gimmicky CGI effects and ridiculous plot points comes "District 9," the underdog of the summer movie season. "District 9," directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a fast-paced and well-thought-out thrill ride that never fails to hit its mark. (The Seahawk, NC)
Cameron's 3D epic Aug 25, 2009
Film combines live action and photo-realistic CGI footage ... "Avatar" is a combination of live action and photo-realistic CGI and is being touted as a huge leap forward in film technology -- likened to the first movie in sound or with Technicolor. (CNN -- International)
Health care reform needed Aug 25, 2009
Articles receiving the most comments in the past 72 hours. How much money per K-12 student did your family spend on back-to-school shopping this year. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Nicholas Cage is Ghost Rider in the... Aug 24, 2009
Liking or disliking this film depends for the most part on the viewer s feelings regarding Nicholas Cage (people seem to either love him or hate him) and whether the presence of rather unconvincing CGI is enough to put you off enjoying what is one of the more likable Marvel adaptations ... The CGI is also obvious. (Suite101.com)
Poll: Awesome or awful? Aug 23, 2009
Poll: 'Avatar' trailer = Awesome or awful. "This is great!" says the blue dude with the spooky eyes in the for "," the first new big flick from "King of the Oscars" (""). (The Drudge Report)
News By Topic Aug 23, 2009
With more and more CGI films in the pipeline, as well as a large fanbase for traditional animation, toons have become big business in Hollywood. Variety keeps on top of the latest news in the animation industry as Toontown meets Tinseltown. (Variety)
