AWN Oscar Travelogue

Exclusive Oscar Day Pics

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:48:06 +0000

Oscar winner Kunio Kato poses with Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway.

For Kunio Kato, the Oscars were a whirlwind experience. Here are some exclusive pics from his big night.

On the red carpet, Kunio (l-r), Robot president Shuji Abe, and La Maison writer Kenya Hirata.

Kunio and Abe-san arrive at the Vanity Fair party.

Animation's new Oscar winners Kunio Kato and WALL-E's Andrew Stanton.

Oscar winners Ed Catmull and Kunio pose for a pic with Hirata.

Presto director Doug Sweetland toasts Kunio.

Kunio gets close with Jennifer Aniston.

Kunio with Monty Python legend John Cleese.

Kunio shakes hands with Oscar winner Sean Penn.

Kunio with Ben Stiller.

Oscar tour host Ron Diamond celebrates with Kunio.

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Animated Shorts Celebration At DreamWorks

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:07:47 +0000

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Me on the left with This Way Up director Alan Smith.

written by Rick Farmiloe

I was lucky enough to be included in part of the Oscar Showcase tour this year. Every year the nominees for animated short films are given a tour and luncheon at some of the animation studios here in the Los Angeles area. The organizer of these celebrations, Ron Diamond, invited me to join them at DreamWorks on the last day of the tour. Ron and I are on the Executive Committee of the Short Films/Animation Branch of the Academy, and see scores of animated shorts every year. There is always a wide range of styles and ideas presented in various mediums. It’s always interesting to see which ones will make the final cut for the Oscar nominations. This year the field was exceptionally strong, with every film being quite unique and different from the rest. Meeting the filmmakers and hearing about their thought process and methods of getting it on the screen was extremely interesting and inspiring.

Everyone gathered outside the Campanile Building where the theater is located. There would be a screening for the DreamWorks staff, then a question and answer period with the filmmakers afterwards. It was fun to meet the filmmakers beforehand and mingle around a bit. The director of PRESTO, Doug Sweetland, could not attend this day, unfortunately. This was the last of the tour stops, so they were very friendly with each other by this point. There seemed to be a common bond, regardless of language or background. They were joined together by a love and passion for filmmaking and animation. There was absolutely no competitive vibe among them. They were just all together as filmmakers, celebrating the animated art form. Jeffrey Katzenberg showed, and greeted everyone very warmly, making everyone associated with this tour feel extremely welcome. Jeffrey is one of animation’s biggest fans and supporters.

Jeffrey Katzenberg gives an introduction to the screening.

He introduced the filmmakers to the audience before the showing. The films were shown to a very appreciative and enthusiastic audience. The theater was absolutely packed, with several people standing. Questions were then asked of the filmmakers as to what their inspiration were in making their particular films. Why the style it was made in? How long did it take, etc? The one common thread that ran through the answers was that the filmmakers wanted to keep things simple and direct. They felt the film could only communicate well if it was kept simple. When you only have a few minutes to tell a story, it’s important to not have too many distractions to confuse the audience, thus keeping them involved.

It was also interesting that there was almost NO dialogue in any of the films. This was also a means to keep things simple and communicate to variety of audiences worldwide. There was no language barrier problem because of this choice.

Kunio Kato explains the making of his Oscar-winning film.

The director of LA MAISON EN PETIS CUBES, Kunio Kato said that his inspiration for his film about a man who relives his past through building layers onto his house, was simply the idea of houses building additions on top of their structure. The plot of the man revisiting points in his life came later. Kunio is a painter, who feels through animation he can express his art more fully and communicate his ideas better.

The directors of OKTAPADI (about two octopi in love) felt it was best to keep the idea very simple and have the two get separated and try to reunite. They wanted no dialogue to keep it visual, and short to keep it to the point. They also felt they wanted to keep one step ahead of the audience to keep it unpredictable.

The two directors of THIS WAY UP, Smith and Foulkes, felt they also needed to keep the plot simple and dialogue free. The simple plot of the mishaps that befall them as they try to deliver a corpse in a coffin worked very well and kept audiences interested in what would happen next.

The director of LAVATORY LOVESTORY, Konstantin Bronzit, took a full year to do the storyboards, and two years to make the film, which was hand drawn and very charming. He also stated his preference for having no dialogue to keep things simple, citing Charlie Chaplin as an inspiration.

The question of 2D or 3D came up as well. The two filmmakers who did their films in 2D, Konstantin Bronzit and Kunio Kato were adamant that hand drawn animation is the ONLY way they would ever work. They felt it expressed best the feeling they were trying to get across to an audience, and it made it more personal for them.

It was interesting to find out that some of the filmmakers were going on to other feature length projects, while others were staying in the shorts field.

A luncheon was served afterwards, with some DreamWorks staff attending, where more stories were shared between filmmakers and other attendees. One common thread that tied everyone together was a real love for animation and an excitement at what lies ahead for them as individuals in their careers, and the art form in general. You really got the feeling that these people where in this for the long haul continuing to explore and create great work.

The This Way Up filmmakers get ready for Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D.

There was then a tour of DreamWorks, where we were treated to a screening of some sequences of the upcoming release, MONSERS VS ALIENS in 3-D. The sequences looked amazing, and the 3-D was some of the best I’ve ever seen. We saw some new technology in a hand held 3D virtual camera that can move around an environment with already created animation, giving the director the chance to change camera angles on the spot. I can’t remember exactly what it’s called, but it was really impressive. We then were shown some test animation by Kristof Serrand for a new feature called HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

The day was winding down, but everyone still had a lot of enthusiasm for everything they were seeing. The Oscars were only two days away, so you could really feel the excitement among the filmmakers. It’s important to note that they just seemed to really enjoy being part of the whole Oscar celebration and not too concerned about winning awards. They were happy to be a part of something pretty wonderful, and just sharing this special time with one another, being supportive and complimentary of each other’s outstanding work. It was pretty inspiring to realize that this art form of the animated short film is very alive and well. Regardless of the medium that is used to tell the story, or the country it comes from, or budget or time, there are still a lot of great stories to be told. It’s nice to know there are such enthusiastic filmmakers out there who feel the animated short film is a vital tool to inform and entertain. Let’s just hope they all get the support and accolades they deserve. From what I observed, the animated short film has a very bright future!

Rick Farmiloe
Animator and Executive Board Member of the Short Films/Animation Branch AMPAS

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Oscar Showcase 09 DreamWorks Brunch/Chocolate Foscas Photo Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:06:46 +0000

Every year the day before the big event offers two annual events that allow the nominees to take a chance to relax with fellow members of the animation community. Check out this year’s pics.

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Oscar Showcase 09 DreamWorks Photo Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:05:50 +0000

Oktapodi director Olivier Delabarre (r) meets DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg.

The last stop on the 2009 Oscar Showcase tour was DreamWorks. View the day in photos.

Monsters vs. Aliens animation supervisor Dave Burgess (2nd right) chats with tour host Ron Diamond (r), Academy board member Rick Farmiloe (l), and AWN senior editor Bill Desowitz (2nd left).

Oktapodi director Julien Bocabeille (l) and Oktapodi composer Kenny Wood.

Bill Desowitz (c) reconnects with This Way Up's Adam Foulkes (l-r), Alan Smith and writer/producer Chris O’Reilly.

Oktapodi PR rep Mary Reardon gets her own autographed copy of Oktapodi.

DreamWorks' John Tarnoff (front right) runs down the day's activities with the filmmakers.

Jeffrey Katzenberg gives an introduction to the screening.

Tour host Ron Diamond introduces the filmmakers.

This Way Up crew Chris (l-r), Adam, producer Charlotte Bavasso, and Alan enter their first tour Q&A.

The fullest panel of any tour stop.

The DreamWorks stand-room-only crowd.

Adam and Alan have a laugh during the Q&A.

Lavatory Lovestory's Konstan Bronzit listens to Oktapodi's Mokhberi.

Madagascar 2 director Tom McGrath (l-r) sits down at lunch with Kenny, Emud, and Julien.

DreamWorks animator Simon Otto (l-r) chats with Adam, Charlotte and Oktapodi's Olivier Delabarre at lunch.

Olivier gets ready for a 3-D sneak peek at Monsters vs. Aliens.

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Oscar Showcase 09 Acme/AWN Party Photo Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:04:26 +0000

Olivier Delabarre (c) enjoys a piece of cake with fellow Oktapodi directors Francois-Xavier Chanioux (r) and Thierry Marchand.

Each year Acme Filmworks and AWN host a party, bringing the animation community together to meet the nominees. This year it was an intimate affair at tour host Ron Diamond’s home. Check out the festivities.

Animation legend Tom Sito sits with ASIFA-Hollywood head Antran Manoogian.

Oktapodi PR rep Mary Reardon chats with AWN senior editor Bill Desowitz.

This Way Up nominee Alan Smith (l) chats with Irene Kotlarz and LAIKA's Tom Knott.

Overtime director Oury Atlan (l) with DreamWorks' John Tarnoff.

Ron Diamond (l) shows his famous sketchbook to Alan and Oktapodi's Quentin Marmier.

La Maison's Kunio Kato meets June Foray.

Lavatory Lovestory's Konstan Bronzit (l) gives Milch director Igor Kovalyov a hug.

Animation vets Bob Kurtz (l) talks with Konstantin.

Mmmmmmm... cake!

Oh, what a cute couple.

Konstantin (l-r) and Igor with The Simpsons director David Silverman.

Ferngully director Bill Kroyer (l) and 9 helmer Shane Acker.

The animation community having a good time.

Oscar nominee Emud Mokhberi (l-r) chats with 9 animation supervisor Ken Duncan and past Oscar nominee Shane Acker.

Quentin plays a tune.

A cat burglar crashes the party.

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Oscar Showcase Tour 09 Sony Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:03:50 +0000

A group shot in front of the doors of Sony.

Sony was the second stop on the L.A. leg of the Oscar Showcase tour this year. See the day in pics.

The nominees meet with Sony execs before the morning screening.

The tour swings by concept art from Sony's Oscar-nominated Surf's Up.

Lavatory Lovestory's Konstantin Bronzit (l-r) with Robot Communications' Taki Tsuyoshi and La Maison's Kunio Kato at the Sony Q&A.

The nominees answer the questions of the Sony crowd.

Kunio talks about his inspiration for La Maison en Petits Cubes.

The men of Oktapodi.

Oktapodi's Olivier Delabarre explains how Gobelins works with its students to Kunio and Taki.

Tour host Ron Diamond (r) makes a call to the Academy on behalf of Konstantin.

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Oscar Showcase Tour 09 Academy Screenings Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:02:04 +0000

This Way Up's producer Charlotte Bavasso, writer/producer Chris O’Reilly, director Adam Foulkes, and director Alan Smith.

One of the highlights of the tour is always the public screening at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. This year the Academy not only hosted a night highlighting the shorts, but also the animated features. Check out the pics for both events.

Animation vets Bob Kurtz and Jane Baer.

Voice over talents June Foray and Will Ryan.

Beauty and the Beast director Gary Trousdale and DreamWorks exec John Tarnoff.

Lavatory Lovestory's Konstan Bronzit fields questions from the press.

Oktapodi directors Thierry Marchand (l-r), Emud Mokhberi, and Quentin Marmier conduct multiple interviews at the same time.

Robot Communications' Taki Tsuyoshi translates La Maison director Kunio Kato's answer.

The directors of the Oscar nominated animated short films.

The Oscar nominees for Best Animated Short Film.

WALL-E helmer Andrew Stanton lays a big one on The Simpsons Movie director David Silverman.

Silverman gets some love from animation vet Bob Kurtz.

Everyone loves David Silverman. Night's panel moderator Tom Sito gives him a kiss as well.

Kung Fu Panda director Mark Osbourne and John Stevenson strike a kung fu pose.

All the feature directors - Osbourne, Stevenson, Stanton, Bolt's Chris Williams and Bolt's Byron Howard - touch some gold.

Sito poses the must know questions to the nominees.

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Oscar Showcase Tour 09 Disney Gallery

oscartour — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:01:57 +0000

The Oktapodi crew poses for a pic with their fan, legendary animator Eric Goldberg.

The tour’s stop at Disney has an exciting day. This gallery shares some of the highlights.

Konstantin Bronzit and Mickey's giant hat.

The group takes a quick tour of the studio grounds during the screening.

Kunio Kato at the corner of Mickey Ave. and Dopey Drive.

Three paw prints? Bad Pluto!

Entering the original Animation Building.

Konstantin and Oktapodi director Quentin Marmier.

Oktapodi director Thierry Marchand sits down with Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse.

The dwarves hold up the studio.

Oktapodi's Julien Bocabeille takes a picture of the multiplane camera.

The Disney Q&A session.

Tour host Ron Diamond provokes more questions from the crowd.

Konstantin has a good time meeting the Disney artists at lunch.

Oktapodi's Quentin Marmier (r-l), Gobelins' Eric Riewer, Eric Goldberg, and Princess and the Frog producer Peter Del Vecho chat while waiting in the buffet line.

Oktapodi's Francois-Xavier Chanioux between two Erics.

Julien at lunch with How to Hook Up Your Home Theater director Kevin Deters.

Chatting after lunch - Eric Goldberg (l-r) and Oktapodi directors Emud Mokhberi, Quentin and Francois-Xavier Chanioux.

Academy member Bob Degus gives advice to the Oktapodi crew on the Oscar experience.

Ron shows Kunio his legendary artist's stechbook.

Konstantin adds a drawing to Ron's sketchbook.

Short film directors sit on Disney's short couch.

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Oscar Showcase Tour 09 ILM Gallery

oscartour — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:47:46 +0000

Boba Fett and Darth Vader join the filmmakers in the ILM lobby for a photo op.

ILM had a photographer follow the Oscar tour around their facilities and we’d like to share some of the great pics.

Robot's Taki Tsuyoshi translates Kunio Kato's answer for the ILM crowd.

Presto composer Scot Stafford has a lightsaber duel with Oktapodi director Olivier Delabarre.

Kunio checks out some matte paintings.

The group gets a look at an elaborate matte painting from Die Hard 2.

ILM's bronze statue of special effects master Ray Harryhausen.

The filmmakers enjoy the many wonders on display in the ILM halls.

Lavatory Lovestory's Konstan Bronzit (l-r), E.T. and Oktapodi's Francois-Xavier Chanioux.

Konstantin snaps a shot of some Pirates of the Caribbean sculpts.

Oktapodi's Emud Mokhberi and his trusty camera.

Models, models everywhere.

A stop by the large Lemony Snicket house model.

ILM - a Model Lover's Dream

Checking out the various crew photos from past ILM projects.

FX and Oktapodi's Quentin Marmier gaze upon T2 models.

Can't miss photo op - Konstantin with the Star Wars stars.

Scot Stafford as C-3P0.

Quentin leans on R2.

Kunio and Taki flank a stormtrooper.

Konstantin gets some wise advice.

Konstantin strikes a pose.

Konstantin takes a pic of a prop from Jurassic Park.

The tour swings by the original Kerner Optical door.

Presto director Doug Sweetland takes a closer look at some of ILM's work.

Konstantin sits at the feet of Who Framed Roger Rabbit's Judge Doom.

Emud takes a pic of Oktapodi director Olivier Delabarre with the Judge Doom prop.

Scot reads more about the granddaddy of visual effects - the optical printer.

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Oscar Showcase Tour 09 PDI/DreamWorks Gallery

oscartour — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:34:47 +0000

The tour members are welcomed to PDI by Eric Darnell and Gail Curry and some champagne.

Check a few shots from the stop at PDI/DreamWorks in Northern California.

The tour members pose for pic with Madagascar - Escape 2 Africa director Tom McGrath.

The Oktapodi contingent sit for a moment in the PDI lunchroom.

The filmmakers get a tour of the studio.

Gobelins' Eric Riewer and Oktapodi director Emud Mokhberi relax.

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