Ranking Zemeckis Nov 7, 2009
Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether you think that the CGI looks perfectly realistic (which it isn't supposed to), only that it is believable in the context of the film (which it is). Beowulf is like nothing you've ever seen, but not for the reasons you think. (IGN FilmForce)
A Christmas Carol Review Nov 7, 2009
But when the ghosts finally appear, the film kicks into "visual adventure" mode and the audience is treated to three distinct presentations of 3-D. The first is a high-speed, flying tour of Scrooge's past, guided by a ghost who looks much like a CGI rendering of the candelabra from Beauty and the Beast. The second is Christmas Present, taking place in a room with a transparent floor which hovers above and descends into specific scenes. (IGN FilmForce)
A Christmas Carol Movie Review Nov 6, 2009
This film could have easily been rendered in live-action plus CGI, and the actors' performances would have been stronger for it. Despite the animation limitations, Carrey does his best as Scrooge and the 3 ghosts: he reins in his worst tendencies and delivers compelling performances. (Suite101.com)
"Sesame Street" Celebrates 40th Birthday Nov 6, 2009
" To meet expectations of its audience 40 years later, each new episode has been reformatted as an hour-long block composed of modular programming parts. Murray Monster, a lively orange Muppet, hosts each episode's four segments. These include Abby Cadabby in the new "Abby's Flying Fairy School," which marks the first time a "Sesame Street" character has been transformed into CGI animation. The program is also kicking off "My World Is Green ng," a two-year science initiative designed to increase... (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Sesame Street still Big Birds nest after 40 years Nov 6, 2009
These include Abby Cadabby in the new "Abby's Flying Fairy School," which marks the first time a "Sesame Street" character has been transformed into CGI animation. The program is also kicking off "My World Is Green & Growing," a two-year science initiative designed to increase positive attitudes toward nature and the environment. (MSNBC -- Television)
The Polar Express 2-Disc Edition DV... Nov 4, 2009
If Zemeckis had filmed this in live-action plus CGI, then the beautiful nuances of the actors' performances (especially Hanks) would have remained intact. As it is, an exciting children's film is undone by waxy, emotionless animation from Zemeckis' computer-generated actors. (Suite101.com)
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)
Video gamers to play for 'real' Oct 31, 2009
"They kind of get CGI [computer generated-imagery] - they've seen it, they've done it, and it's no longer interesting," he said. "It needs to be real, it needs to look real.". (BBC News -- Technology)
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)
The Anatomy of a Trap: Saw Oct 30, 2009
"Sometimes, it'll start as a sequence where we simply write, 'Insert trap here,'" explains Melton, "Then we'll have a number of story meetings and eventually we'll have to write out very specific traps. It's totally analytical at this point: What have we done before and what can we do now? What's the theme? We always try to insert a bit of irony. But most importantly, can we actually build this? Nothing is CGI." ... "It's a situation where it has to look horrendous but ultimately be safe. We... (IGN FilmForce)
Disney wants to build production studio outside LA Oct 29, 2009
They wanted to create a movie with the same rich look and texture of other recent CGI movies, but had a smaller budget. 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 -- State)
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)
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)
Mercedes' Blue period Oct 27, 2009
Perhaps the most remarkable fact about the new E200 CGI, E250 CDI and E350 CDI is the marque's 'BlueEFFICIENCY' technology, which is a package from its development engineers that reduces weight, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and optimises engine technology to make the E-Class extremely energy efficient ... E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY - R471000. (iAfrica.com)
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)
Astro Boy - Film Review Oct 23, 2009
is filled with both wonderful poignant and comedic moments, which are heightened by CGI effects. Particularly so when the robotic hero discovers guns in his butt at an opportune time, or the power-hungry presidential candidate (voiced by Donald Sutherland) displays his campaign slogan as It s Not Time For Change. (Suite101.com)
Cirque du Soleil returns to Portland with KOOZA Oct 22, 2009
Sponsors Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges iShares, Presenting Sponsor of the US Tour as well as CGI, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Sun Life Financials and American Express as the Official Sponsors. Cirque du Soleil. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Usher's New Look Taps MWW Group to Help Promote 'Powered By Service' Youth Empowerment Initiative Oct 22, 2009
As agency of record for UNL, MWW worked alongside the organization to promote the launch of its "Powered By Service" youth empowerment initiative at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) ... Leveraging CGI as a platform, MWW initiated a multi-tiered campaign to elevate the profile of UNL and its "Powered by Service" initiative among the mainstream media and within the non-profit and global health communities. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment 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)
Review: 'Wild Things' kind of tepid Oct 17, 2009
And we see the nuances of doubt and anguish on their faces, through beautifully rendered CGI effects ... Yes, we're talking about a hairy, 10-foot-tall creature - a costume combined with a CGI face and matched to an actor's voice. (San Francisco Chronicle)
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)
Puppet masters Oct 14, 2009
One remarkable aspect of the film, in these days of CGI, is that it has an almost home-made feel to it. As animation goes, this is old school. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Word of mouth boosts 'Paranormal' Oct 13, 2009
"Nothing you could ever show, with props or CGI, is ever going to be as a scary as your imagination," Peli says. "There's just this invisible force. It could be right next to you.". (USA Today -- Life)
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)
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)
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)
DQ Entertainment Honors J.K Rowling With Lifetime Achievement Award Oct 5, 2009
DQE is also developing and producing Lassie which will be a 26 x 22 minute CGI animated series, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are on production like Feluda, and Omkar. DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Manila and it has international sales offices in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
End-of-the-world feature film that critics say is disaster all by itself. See the hilarious trailer here... Oct 5, 2009
It looks, however, as if the CGI experts have been given a completely free hand designing this apocalypse - with the net result that the trailer borders on laughable. Critics in the U.S. are already beginning to describe the movie as a disaster in itself. (The Drudge Report)
Box Office Weekend: Zombie-ootiful! Oct 5, 2009
Lying, Capitalism and Whip It were bested not only by the zombies but also by a CGI barrage of flying food and kids' playthings. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs continued its robust run, passing the $80 million mark on its third weekend. (Time.com)
Where the wonder goes Oct 4, 2009
Shrek is the model: A slender and amusingly contrarian tale about a stinky ogre, drawn with William Steig s patented wobbly lines, the Dreamworks film became a slick CGI franchise featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. The Shrek movies are well done: witty and fast and occasionally even subversive in a way that children and Steig might salute. (Boston Globe)
Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D Mo... Oct 2, 2009
Disney/Pixar's limited engagement double feature of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in Digital 3-D is another reminder of why Pixar is the best CGI animation studio ... Another obvious element is the undeniable crudity of the CGI images in the original Toy Story ... This isn't a criticism, but an indication of how far the state of the art in CGI has come since Toy Story's initial release. (Suite101.com)
EDC looking to add Watertown video to website Oct 1, 2009
The town of Watertown has recently signed an agreement with CGI Communications which will result in the production of a series of online videos highlighting features of Watertown and Oakville to residents, visitors and businesses. The video will come at no cost to the town as CGI Communications expects to offset costs through advertising ... A letter from Economic Development Coordinator Joe Seacrist stated, "their video showcase will engage viewers in learning more about area attractions,... (Town Times, CT)
Water Tops Conservation Issues, Cousteau Jr. Says Sep 30, 2009
Philippe, the grandson of famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and son of the similarly noted of Philippe Sr., has carried the water for that legacy from the depths of the ocean, into the halls of Congress, and most recently to the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York City ... Cousteau was at CGI to announce a new ocean-saving program for America's youths. (Newsmax)
Saunders: A New Global Economy Must Rely on Financial Inclusion Sep 30, 2009
In recent years, many organizations, such as the U.N., CGI and the World Bank have stepped up efforts to link the unbanked to financial services and systems that can help them make economic progress. We believe that Visa and others need to step up to support their efforts. (Roll Call)
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)
ACT ON 8 Announces a Commitment of a New Kind at the Clinton Global Initiative Sep 26, 2009
NEW YORK, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the youngest CGI members announced a commitment of a new kind at the CGI this week: the first platform for social contributions to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ... This was Adam Said's commitment at last year's CGI session as his investment group (ACE & Group) injected more than EUR 1 million for the production of the feature. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
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)
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)
Read more... Sep 26, 2009
Millions of girls and women will have access to improved health care, better education, and increased economic opportunity because of commitments made today at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which brings together leaders from across sectors of society to identify solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems. Women perform 66 percent of the world's work, and produce 50 percent of the food, yet earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the... (PNN Online)
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 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)
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)
Obama Praises Bill Clinton in Speech to CGI Sep 23, 2009
SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:25 PM. (Newsmax)
Miss. police use Taser, handcuffs on wayward emu Sep 22, 2009
They wanted to create a movie with the same rich look and texture of other recent CGI movies, but they had a smaller budget than those films ... They wanted to create a movie with the same rich look and texture of other recent CGI movies, but had a smaller budget. (Fresno Bee)
Bill Clinton Tells Newsmax: Carter Wrong on Race; Obama Plan to Pass Sep 22, 2009
On Monday, former President Bill Clinton sat down with Newsmax CEO and Editor Christopher Ruddy for an exclusive interview on the eve of the fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) gathering in New York ... The philanthropic CGI's four-day summit begins Tuesday, and about 1,200 participants will attend, including President Obama, who will give the events kick-off speech followed by about 60 other current and former heads of state ... Since the CGI began in 2005 as the brainchild of top... (Newsmax)
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)
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)
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)
Amer. Werewolf Sep 16, 2009
Most special effects work has a way of losing its luster when viewed alongside the modern hybrid of practical FX and CGI. Not this. Whether it's the show-stopping transformation sequence, the decaying Jack character (complete with that one little piece of hanging skin everyone talks about), the bizarre dream sequence creatures, or the numerous victims, his work is a blast to see. (IGN FilmForce)
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)
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)
G.I. Joe - A thrilling, unexpected great time Sep 15, 2009
It felt reminiscent of an early Bond flick, except with modern CGI which are elements I personally love. I'm going to give this film a HOT rating (4 of 5). (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
1st, 2nd ... 64th Place! Sep 15, 2009
CGI owns and operates 32 national events delivering more than 300,000 professional and amateur participants in 2010. CGI publishes four magazine titles with a combined monthly circulation of over 800,000 and has recently launched an online endurance community at. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Thomas the Tank Engine Speaks Sep 14, 2009
Thomas is also getting a CGI Previously, "Thomas ds," the TV series, was produced using stop-motion animation. In an exclusive interview on "Good Morning America Weekend," ABC's got to ask Thomas about the new changes. (ABC News)
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)
Lawmakers Condemn Outburst at Obama Sep 11, 2009
" Full CBSNews.com coverage of the president's speech on health care: ? MMIX, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share: Video and Galleries from Politics Video Video Video Latest in Politics 1 00004000 ... by Turbidite September 10, 2009 9:10 AM EDT Just a symptom of how out of control the Republican Party is. They seem to prefer tearing the country apart rather than working with the elected President. Apologies... (CBS News)
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)
DVD Review: Mushi-Shi The Movie Sep 11, 2009
Yes, the CGI effects are primitive by Hollywood standards, but they are nonetheless effective as luminescent beings float through the air, and kanji script flows across the floor to menaces our hero. Visually, this film is stunning, and beautifully photographed. (Suite101.com)
Visa seeking incentives to add 366 jobs in Loudoun County Sep 11, 2009
Recent recipients include CGI in Russell County, Quebicor World in Frederick County and Alcoa Howmet in Hampton. The two biggest incentive-triggered relocations to Northern Virginia were , which received a $4. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
