April Update: Black Sun Ent & Sony Computer Ent

Hey all, Sorry for the terrible delay with the updates here. OK - I admit it, I'm slacking off in the Blog department these days.

Over the past 3 months (wow, it has been awhile since an update hasn't it) I've been working at Sony Computer Entertainment in San Diego CA as a Animation Supervisor. This is not the Sony Online Entertainment division that many people have suspected. I am working at the division known as the "Visual Arts Services Group" (which is slated to undergo a name change sometime this year). The Visual Arts Services Group is basically the cinematic division - but we do a whole lot more. For those of you who have asked - I will announce which projects I have been involved with very shortly.

Black Sun is running full force. Azureus Rising is looking great and we have a several new team members which we will announce at the Black Sun Ent website shortly.

On the games front - we are currently working on 2 game projects. We have Bren Wilson (http://brenwilson.com/) involved as one of our main game animators. He has been kicking out some awesome work. We have also been doing design and modeling task of some pretty cool alien land and air attack vehicles. Keen to show off some of these assets as they become public knowledge.

Best of 2008: Games & Films

I get a lot of Emails asking "What did you think?" and "What is your Pick for Best Film/Game this year". So I thought it might be fun and share my favorite Films and Games of 2008 right here - out in the open. I have to admit that I did not get out to the theater or play as many games as I would have liked this year. There are still a few recommended gems that I still need to catch up with - so this is my very limited list of "Best of 2008".

Best Video Games

Prince of Persia

I love adventure games and Prince of Persia is another great addition to the long running franchise. "Sands of Time" is still my favorite Persia game overall. This game has great animation, great control, nice art direction and is bottom line - fun to play. The game is pretty easy and is a tad repetitive -- but it never irritates. Great game from Ubisoft Montreal Studios.

Gears of War 2

Gears 1 was one of the best games ever made in my opinion. Part 2 is not quite as ground breaking but that doesn't mean that this ride ain't fun! I prefer to play shooters like this with a mouse and keyboard (PC style). But this game is so awesome that I suffer through the use of console controller. Epic Games has once again served up some marvelous goods. Gears of War 2 has great graphics, great game play, awesome levels and all around coolness.

Games on Hold
Little Big Planet, Crysis Warhead, Metal Gear Solid, Left 4 Dead, Resistance 2

Best Films

The Dark Knight

I avoided the hype of this film - especially with the death of Heath Ledger. I thought Batman Begins was good but not great. This film was great - they finally nailed it. Everyone and everything in this film is great. The Joker is easily one of the most memorable characters I've ever seen. I also have to tip my hat towards Warner Bros, for rebooting this franchise into what it always should have been. There is no corny shit found in this film - it looks real and feels real. Director Christopher Nolan is looking to be one of the best character directors in today's cinema. (The 2 Disk DVD Set is a major disappointment. No behind the scenes of the VFX or Makeup. No on set footage of the actors and directors working. BOoooo!)

Iron Man

I was expecting this film to flop. I wasn't sure how someone like Jon Favrau (Zathura, Elf, Swingers) was going to handle a comic book movie. I was really impressed. THIS is how you make a summer popcorn comic book movie. The exact opposite of The Dark Knight - but awesome in it's own ways. Funny but not overly cheesy. Exciting but not over the top stupid. This is a perfect example of how "keeping it simple" is sometimes best. I hope part 2 doesn't loose the charm. (The 2 Disk DVD Set is awesome! So much extra footage and behind the scenes features. A must see for fans.)

Movies on Hold
Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionair, The Wrestler

X-Men Origins: WOLVERINE

The trailer for the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine film has finally been released. I am eager to see how this film turns out. I had a lot of fun working on it with the crew at Fox. You can see some of the shots I designed above in the image collage. If you Click the Image you will be directed to the trailer to see it for yourself.

Once the film has been released I will share more details regarding the production and my responsibilities as the Lead Visual Development artist on the film.

RIP John Michael Crichton (1942 – 2008)

I was saddened to read this morning that novelist, medical doctor, screen writer, producer and director Michael Crichton has passed away at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. Michael was way ahead of his time with his amazing stories. He is also responsible for some of the most memorable movies ever made including Jurassic Park. Crichton is also the creator of the long running TV show ER. Some of Michael's other works include; Westworld, Coma, Twister, The Andromeda Strain, Congo, Rising Sun, The 13th Warrior (Eaters of the Dead) and Timeline.

VALKYRIE Trailer Released

The Trailer for Valkyrie is now online at Yahoo Movies - click the image above to check it out. I am very eager to see how this film turns out. Working with Bryan Singer was a great experience - he is easily one of the best directors I've worked with. I am pleased to have contributed to this awesome cinematography. Valkyrie is due out this December.

EAGLE EYE Released

Eagle Eye was released last weekend and it took the number 1 spot at the box office. Personally I felt the film was extremely well shot but the story was lacking in many areas. Director DJ Caruso was very cool to work with and I am glad I had the chance to hook up with him. For those of you interested - I helped design and create the layout and virtual camera work for the opening shots/ sequence where the US Military bombs a suspected terrorist camp.

Humanoid Animation I now Available for Download!

Click the Image Above

Sorry for the delay with updates! If you did not know Humanoid Animation I is now available for download! The response has been awesome and I am really happy so many artists are finding this tutorial worth while! You can check out the video page HERE! Please take a look and be sure to let us know what you think :)