Toy Story Mania Update

So this is what I've been working on for the past couple of months. Working with Disney & Pixar on an update to the Toy Story Mania ride in DisneyWorld & DisneyLand for the release of Toy Story 3. I did animation on the original ride as well, which came out in 2008, so it was a lot of fun getting to work on this again. Click the image to check out an article about the ride.

Acting Reference #32

I'm a really big Phillip Seymour Hoffman fan & here's a great clip of him in Capote. This is great reference for hand poses (the one holding the cigarette) and creating a loose, natural feel in hand movement.

Azureus Rising

This is awesome!

Inception Trailer

I'm posting this cause I'm super excited about this movie, Christopher Nolan + an all-star cast...gonna be sweet!

Daily Sketches: Fighting

Acting Reference #31

Here's a great little clip of Mark Ruffalo in Zodiac. I love how the shot only focuses on his character, so we really get to see his different reactions to the children he's taking a statement from. There's also a lot of nice little head gestures going on here. I especially like the sublte moment of surprise he has once he hears that girl saw the mans face. He's really a great underrated actor.

11 Second Club Process

Here's a process video for my 11 sec club entry

11 Second Club Entry

Here's my entry in last months 11 Second Club contest. Ended up getting 10th out of 177 entries. I may go back & fix some things, render it out.

Acting Reference #30

After being thoroughly impressed with her performance in The Lovely Bones, I've been seeking out other movies with Saoirse Ronan. Here's a great clip of her in Death Defying Acts. It's just amazing how in this short clip she's able to go through multiple emotions. It's also has a nice example of an unrelated secondary action, her juggling.

"All we've got is what we can touch & see" She says this as though she's hoping & expecting her Mom will disagree with her, but she doesn't. After hearing this she has this wonderful moment of realization, that shes lost her innocence. You really feel that shes trying to hold her feelings back, keep from crying, but she can't. There's just so much going on, with so little being said. She's such a great little actress!!

Top 10 Movies of 2009

I love making lists & I love movies haha, so here's my top 10 of last year. I'm a little late making this but I like to try and see as many as I can before I make it.

1. The Lovely Bones

I really loved this movie! One of the most emotional ones I've seen. I was still thinking about it days after watching. Saoirse Ronan absolutely blew me away in this! You really can't take your eyes off of her. With this, Atonement, City of Ember & Death Defying Acts she's easily become one of my favorite actresses. Though there are some story issues, the amazing acting & beautiful visuals made this my favorite movie.

2. The Road

Gorgeous & powerful movie. Cinematography was amazing, really feels like this is what a post apocalyptic future would be like. Plus I love Viggo Mortensen in pretty much anything he's in.

3. Star Trek

Really everything a good blockbuster movie should be. Great characters, awesome action, intriguing story. Really awesome how well the whole cast did playing such well known characters. I'm so glad Star Trek is back.

4. District 9

I remember seeing the trailer for this and wasn't all that excited about it. But after seeing it I was really blown away. Nice to see people trying new things & not sticking to the typical "Hollywood" movie.

5. Inglorious Basterds

I'm a sucker for Quentin Tarantino and this is one of his best. Really different than what they were marketing, much more of a character drama, which I liked. Excellent supporting role from Christoph Waltz

6. Avatar

The story could have had a little more, but the visuals were amazing. Please don't wait 10 years for your next movie James Cameron

7. Moon

Was a really great year for Sci Fi and Moon sorta flew under the radar, wonderful movie though. I was sad Sam Rockwell didn't get more recognition for his performance(s).

8. Julia & Julia

This was just a really fun movie. Had me smiling all the way through & after. Great performances by all & will definitely make you hungry while watching.

9. Up

Another great from Pixar. I love how they continue to try new things & don't get stuck in making the same things.

10. Where The Wild Things Are

I love Spike Jonze and he did a great job with this movie. Surprisingly emotional.

Pre Order Art of Toy Story 3

Art book can be pre ordered at Amazon and Chronicle Books, click the image to head over there!

Susie Salmon

Watched The Lovely Bones the other night & drew this. Great movie with amazing performances by Stanley Tucci & Saoirse Ronan.

Acting Reference #29

Another sweet clip from It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Great reference for a more subtle double take that happens about half way through the shot.

Pencil Test Depot

Great site with a lot of awesome hand drawn animation.
Click the image to check it out!

Daily Sketches: Lions

Acting Reference #28

Here's a nice clip from The Black Dahlia. There's a great arc reversal in the beginning when she laughs. I really love the seductive feel she has, but its not too over the top, very subtle which works.

Animation Progression Reels

Great blog that shows various progression reels, I always love watching these
Click the image to check it out!

Daily Sketches: Bugs