Animation / FX Cheers and Sneers - May 2001
(by digitalmediafx.com) Here is the list of Digital Media FX's May 2001 Cheers and Sneers for the animation and visual effects industries:

Cheers: DreamWorks announced that it was embarking on three new animated series based on the Bromeliad trilogy. This includes "Truckers," "Diggers," and "Wings."

Sneers: Cartoon Network bans several Bugs Bunny cartoons making claims of parts being socially unacceptable. Then it is discovered that many other cartoons have been edited (or "butchered") without the input of the original directors or creators.

Cheers: PDI/DreamWorks Shrek is shown at Cannes, resulting in positive buzz (particularly with all the "over the edge" movies shown this year) and a long standing ovation. Many critics gave it an outside chance of winning the best movie award (but it didn't).

Sneers: DreamWorks releases the soundtrack for Shrek, but fails to deliver the movie's background score and holds off announcing whether one would ever be available (Digital Media FX eventually found out one is in the works - slated for mid-July with the possibility of a delay).

Cheers: Shrek tears up the box office, receiving strong positive reaction from critics and exit polls showing people grading it between an A and A+. By the end of May (after only two weeks at the box office) Shrek had made over $120 million!

Sneers: A Spy Kids: Special Edition (new special effects) is put into works for release against Osmosis Jones in August in what is already an overcrowded month at the box office.

Cheers: It is announced that the original animated special, "Santa Vs. The Snowman," is being reformatted for IMAX 3D. Look for it in November 2002.

Sneers: The International Cartoon Museum attempts to auction off several pieces of its important historical collection to raise money for paying off debts. Many pieces don't sell or sell for lower than expected, causing the museum to announce it will look for other ways for funding (something it should have done in the first place). Eventually they announce another auction.

Cheers: Disney Interactive announces that it is creating a new slate of games known as "Imagineering games" where the user becomes the creator. One of the first titles to be released is Ultimate Ride where users create their own roller coasters then ride them.

Sneers: When asked about the salary cuts, layoffs, and changes to Disney Animation, the head of Walt Disney Studios (Peter Schneider) responds, in part, "That's just life, isn't it?"

Cheers: In honor of Maurice Noble. His contributions to the world of animation and willingness to train others in his style (even long after his retirement) will remain an inspiration to many for the rest of their lives. He will be greatly missed.

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