Over the last ten years, Animatus webmaster Mike Boas has worked tirelessly (so he says) to keep our website up to date and useful for our clients, students, and the animation community in general.

Now Mike has consolidated many pages into a dynamic structure that utilizes the latest in blogification technology! What does that mean? I don’t know, it sounds made up…. but it looks cool!

The main pages of the site have a shiny new design. Now it’s easier to access the latest news, sign up for our newsletter, and search the site for specific content. (You may notice some sections of the site retain their old look, but they may change in the future.)

So take a moment and browse the site. And if you see any typos or glaring problems, let us know! Since it’s “dynamic,” it should be easy for Mike to fix, right?

http://animatusstudio.com

Animatus Cartoon Teaches Fire Safety

We at Animatus are particularly proud of our recent collaboration with HomeFireDrill.org. “Help Mikey Make It Out” is an interactive cartoon designed to teach young children about what to do when the smoke alarm goes off.

We worked with illustrator Jennifer Glanton, who had designed the characters for the book, “Mikey Makes a Mess.” Our animator, Mike Boas, took the designs and new backgrounds into Flash to color and animate. The result is a unique choose-your-own-adventure style experience.

Visit this site with your family!

http://homefiredrill.org/HelpMikeyMakeItOut.htm

November Animation Workshops

SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

November is quickly approaching and we have limited spaces available! There’s just a few spots left in either morning or afternoon sessions, so sign up today.

Fall 2008
Saturdays
November 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Call (585) 232-3949

Or register online at
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops

Coming in 2009:
The Animation Workshop Film Festival

Animatus will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2009, and we want to showcase the work of our Animation Workshop students! Now’s the time to work on your own independent cartoon to be included in the Animation Workshop Film Festival.

Each student will be eligible to win prizes, and entry is free for all Animation Workshop students. Selected animators will see their work included on an Animation Workshop DVD compilation, which they will also receive for free.

Come to the November workshops to get started on your entry. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!

Emerging Filmmakers at the LittleCome out to the Little Theatre Monday night, September 29, for the latest installment of the Emerging Filmmakers series!

This Monday’s screening features work by Animatus creative director Dave Puls, plus a documentary short by Animation Workshop student Adrian Esposito.

TORN ASUNDER
Directed by Bob Barancik , Animation by Dave Puls
This experimental video creatively explores the increasingly frayed American national
psyche.

AGING TREES OF KNOWLEDGE: RESISTANCE FIGHTER
One part in a 5-chapter series documenting the lives of World War II-era survivors. This chapter focuses on the Japanese invasion of China, also known as the “Forgotten Holocaust,” and the heroism of people like Dr. I-Cheng Chang.

The Little has been nice enough to provide some tickets to our friends and family! So be one of the first ten people to mention Dave’s name (or Adrian’s) and get in free.

EMERGING FILMMAKERS
The Little Theatre
240 East Avenue, Rochester
Monday, September 29, 2008
9:15 PM

~~~

November Animation Workshops
SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begins Saturday, November 1st.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Fall 2008

Saturdays

November 1, 8, 15, 22

$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops
Or call (585) 232-3949

~~~~

Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Fred Armstrong
Animatus Studio

The Summer Workshop cartoons are now online! We’ve got galloping horses,
frightening spiders, dancing devils, and a tribute to Kindom Hearts. Not to
mention a sandwich who juggles chainsaws!

To view the animation in glorious internet video, visit
http://animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html
Look for the purple box and hit the play button!

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus
beginning Monday, September 15. We’re open Monday - Friday, 10:00 -
5:30.

* * *

SIGN UP FOR FALL ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begina Saturday, November 1st.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Fall 2008
Saturdays
November 1, 8, 15, 22
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation will be
showcased on the Animatus website. Tapes or DVDs are available for an
additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Register online at http://animatusstudio.com/workshops
Or call (585) 232-3949

Join Eggwork Productions & Animatus Studio for the Outdoor Screening of Smoking Laws!

Monday, September 8, 2008, 7:30 PM

SMOKING LAWS

The comedy feature Film from Rochester director MATTHEW EHLERS, with a performance by FRED ARMSTRONG as “HOMELESS FREDDY.” See the trailer at smokinglawsmovie.com

Also playing: Animation from Animatus Studio! Including the WORLD PREMIERE of “Sirens,” also “Clicker Clatter” and “The Other Gods.”

Abilene Bar & Lounge
153 Liberty Pole Way
(Across from the Harro East)

$5.00 in advance
$7.00 at the door

Print out the Flyer! It has pretty pictures!

(Note: Feature and shorts contain some content not suitable for children.)

LAST CHANCE FOR SUMMER ANIMATION CAMP

Time is running out to sign up for our August workshops!

Fish for New Ideas!
Hike The Hills of Animation!
Challenge the Wild Waters of Creativity!
Experience Glorious Air Conditioning!

Are you interested in drawing? Do you want to see your characters come to life? Have you ever wondered what goes into shooting an animated movie? You just might be right for our Animation Workshops.

This is also a great opportunity for our more experienced Studio Production students. Longer days means more time to devote to your epic cartoons!

Choose either Wednesdays or Thursdays in August, lasting from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each day.

Summer Animation Workshops
$88 per day
(20% discount for all four)

Wednesdays
August 6, 13, 20, 27
OR
Thursdays
August 7, 14, 21, 28

Space is limited! What are you waiting for?

Register online at http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops

***

ROCHESTER HIGH FALLS INT’L FILM FEST WRAP-UP

Animatus Studio and the RHFIFF were pleased to welcome animation guest Linda Simensky for a seminar about children’s television programming. Linda was a delight to have at the festival, and offered a fascinating look into the workings of innovative entertainment.

Animatus was also pleased to sponsor the screening of Sita Sings the Blues, which was received extremely well. Director Nina Paley unfortunately had the flu and was not able to attend, but we had a great Q & A with musician Todd Michaelsen and voice talent Reena Shah.

Dave Puls, Linda Simensky, Fred Armstrong, & Mike Boas

For more pics from the fest, visit http://rochestersmoviefest.com

***

HIGH FALLS WORKSHOP VIDS NOW ONLINE

For the last several years, Animatus has worked with the High Falls Film Festival to produce inspirational cartoons with Rochester students.

Now you can watch them all online at: http://www.animatusstudio.com/workshops/studentwork.html#highfalls

***

FRESH VENUES FOR FRESH TOONES

Dave Puls’ Hate Preachers has two more festival screenings this fall. This animated short takes a look at hate preachers’ destructive rhetoric and encourages all of us to speak out to offset their fabrications.

Fresno Reel Pride, Sept 17-21
http://www.reelpride.com

Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Oct 2-12.
http://www.pridefilmfest.com

In other Fresh Toones news, Hate Preachers and Things were recently featured on Tennessee Reid Norton’s Confessions of an Animated Mind Blog. Check it out here:
http://www.ananimatedmind.blogspot.com

More about Fresh Toones here:
http://animatusstudio.com/freshtoones

One of our students, Adrian Esposito, was recently featured on Rochester’s Channel 13 News.

Reporter Jane Flasch spoke with Adrian as part of a series of stories on Autism. Adrian is open about discussing his Asperger Syndrome and how it affects his filmmaking interests. As his instructors at the Animation Workshop for the last several years, it’s rewarding to see how Adrian has grown.

Watch the video and you’ll see the last document of Mike’s wild hairstyle before his summer cut!

See some of Adrian’s work on Youtube HERE

The Spring II Workshop cartoons are now online!

We’ve got happy barnyard animals, disco dancing, and undersea fun. Not to mention a baby who refuses to eat, some extreme animation acting, and the continuing adventures of Aaron’s dragons and David’s Dustbusters.

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus beginning Wednesday, May 14th. We’re open Monday - Friday, 10:00 - 5:30.

ROCHESTER HIGH FALLS INT’L FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Animatus is proud to announce our involvement in this year’s festival. Come out and meet the filmmakers! Pass this email on to someone you know and love!

Print out the Animatus mini-poster here:
http://animatusstudio.com/highfalls/images/animatus-rhfiff-poster.pdf

Click here for ticket information:
http://animatusstudio.com/highfalls/ticketinfo.html

–

SITA SINGS THE BLUES
An animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920’s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw. This feature film was directed, written, produced, designed AND animated (whew!) entirely by Nina Paley.

Opening Night! Wednesday April 30th - 6:55 PM at The Little 5

–

SOLDIERS OF SISYPHUS (East Coast Premiere)
Director/Producer: Bob Barancik; Animator: David Puls
A meditative look at the futility of war. This short film animated by Animatus’ own Dave Puls will play as part of the second Movies On a Shoestring block.

Thursday May 1st - 8:30 PM at The Little 5

–

FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THE WOMEN WHO FOSTERED AN AMERICAN HERO

Change in Schedule!

We’re happy to announce that “Frederick Douglass” will be showing ahead of PHOEBE IN WONDERLAND (starring Bill Pullman) instead of with the children’s shorts program as originally planned. This is sure to be a great event, with Bill Pullman in attendance. Get your tickets ASAP!

“Frederick Douglass” is a biographical animated short, produced at Animatus’ Animation Workshop by Rochester teens from Community Place.

Friday May 2nd - 7:15 PM at the Dryden Theatre

–

LINDA SIMENSKY: PRODUCING TOONS AND INNOVATIONS IN KIDS’ TV
Our animation guest this year is LINDA SIMENSKY, Senior Director of Children’s Programming for PBS. In her work at Cartoon Network, Simensky was instrumental in bringing many beloved shows to air, including The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. She is now involved with numerous PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! programs such as Curious George, Super Why, Martha Speaks, Sid the Science Kid, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, and WordGirl. Simensky will join us for a seminar about animation and what it takes to produce quality children’s programming, with clips from some new shows in production.

Saturday May 3rd - 1:00 PM at The Little 3

–

SMOKING LAWS
with preceding animated short KEEP ON WALKIN’
Smoking Laws explores a night in the life of a smoke-free bar during the coldest night of year. It offers a voyeuristic look at the random strangers brought together by addiction. It’s smoking good fun! Directed by friend of Animatus, Matthew Ehlers, with a role by Fred Armstrong as a cantankerous panhandler (what a stretch). Adult Themes.

Keep on Walkin’ is a music video produced by Phil Geiger of rock group SpiritEast, design, animation and production by Animatus Studio.

Sunday May 4th - 7:00PM at The Little 1

Greetings! Here’s the latest news from animatusstudio.com

SPRING ANIMATION WORKSHOP VIDEO NOW ONLINE

We’ve got morphing, stop motion, scary spiders, and Neanderthal rabbits!

Access the snazzy Youtube videos below:

SPRING 2008 WORKSHOPS PART 1
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJtHKtmfuLc&hl=en]

For those who ordered DVDs, they can be picked up at Animatus beginning Friday, April 4. We’re open weekdays 10:00 - 5:30, and Saturdays (during April workshops) 9:00 - 4:00.

***

LAST CHANCE FOR SPRING II ANIMATION WORKSHOPS

Our next session begins this Saturday, April 5th.
How can you resist four weeks of funny cartoons and frivolity?

Spring II 2008
Saturdays
April 5, 12, 19, 26
$159

All supplies and equipment usage included. Each student’s animation
will be showcased on the Animatus website. DVDs are available
for an additional $10.

Secure your spot today!

Call (585) 232-3949 to check availability of morning or afternoon slots.

***

ROCHESTER HIGH FALLS INT’L FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Animatus is proud to announce our involvement in several aspects of this year’s fest.

LINDA SIMENSKY: PRODUCING TOONS AND INNOVATIONS IN KIDS’ TV

Our animation guest this year is LINDA SIMENSKY, Senior Director of Children’s Programming for PBS. In her work at Cartoon Network, Simensky was instrumental in bringing many beloved shows to air, including The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. She is now involved with numerous PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! programs such as Curious George, Super Why, Martha Speaks, Sid the Science Kid, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, WordGirl and The Electric Company. Simensky will join us for a seminar about animation and what it takes to produce quality children’s programming, with clips from some new shows in production.

–

SITA SINGS THE BLUES

Director Nina Paley will present her animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920’s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw. This feature film was directed, written, produced, designed AND animated (whew!) entirely by Paley.

–

SOLDIERS OF SISYPHUS (East Coast Premiere)
Director/Producer: Bob Barancik; Animator: David Puls

A meditative look at the futility of war. This short film animated by Animatus’ own Dave Puls will play as part of the second Movies On a Shoestring block.

–

SMOKING LAWS
with preceding animated short KEEP ON WALKIN’

Smoking Laws explores a night in the life of a smoke-free bar during the coldest night of year. It offers a voyeuristic look at the random strangers brought together by addiction. It’s smoking good fun! Directed by friend of Animatus, Matthew Ehlers, with an appearance by Fred Armstrong as a cantankerous panhandler. (Adult themes.)

Keep on Walkin’ is a music video produced by Phil Geiger of rock group SpiritEast, animated by Animatus Studio.

–

CHILDREN’S SHORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

This year, The Animation Workshop worked with Rochester teens from Community Place to produce FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND THE WOMEN WHO FOSTERED AN AMERICAN HERO. The short will play as part of the children’s shorts program.