Disney studios have finally dropped the ball for 2D traditional Classical animation by laying off literally the last few traditional animators. They have no more plans for a theatrical 2D film. Many years ago I worked on an amazing 2D film The Iron Giant, directed by Brad Bird. That was the direction 2D could have gone in.

Here is an interview I did at around the release of the film The Iron Giant which has now gone on to be a classic on DVD. If you haven't seen it, please do! You don't have to be into animation to enjoy this film!  

Young Cuban director Carlos Lechuga's MELAZA (Molasses) is an ode to young love the way Michael Haneke's AMOUR was to the older generation. The film's quiet and elegant rhythm and unaffected temperament set the stage for the development of Lechuga's two main characters: Aldo, a swimming teacher, and Monica, a rum factory worker. The couple live in Melaza, a small town that is named after a dying sugarcane factory which had, once, served as the inhabitants' source of living. Aldo and Monica's deep love for one another is brought to a series of tests due to life-changing financial difficulties that they face. MELAZA is an elegantly filmed story in which nearly every frame presents a highly aestheticized, yet organic,…

I met Canadian-born Jaie Laplante, the Executive Director of the Miami International Film Festival, earlier this week during the #MiamiFF XXX, at The Standard Hotel and Spa. Laplante had worked as a producer, a programmer at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and an associate director at Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Laplante joined MIFF in 2010.

13-19 APRIL 2013

Like a creative challenge? Want the chance to win £1,000?

The 0117 Hour Digital Short Challenge invites filmmakers, animators, visual and sound artists from across the land to make digital shorts in just 117 hours, focused on the theme of 'Journeys' and exploring Bristol Temple Quarter.

Presented by Bristol Film Office, Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival and M Shed, the 0117 Hour Challenge is now on its third edition. Join us from 13-19 April 2013 for a week of frantic, creative fun - register online before Thursday 11 April to participate.

This high-energy event is part of a series of…