Digital Media FX News Archives

Wednesday - August 29, 2001
- WB Cancels Baby Blues
- Game Art & Design Degree Added to LA Curriculum
- Video Game Graphics Becoming More Realistic
- News Link of the Day - Disney Starting Celebration Early

WB Cancels Baby Blues
(by digitalmediafx.com) Warner Bros. has abruptly cancelled its Baby Blues animated series despite having 19 unseen episodes, many complete, already purchased.

According to Daily Variety, "WB took advantage of accounting rules related to the merger of parent Time Warner with America Online, which made shelving the series a more attractive financial option than simply burning off the episodes in the summer, according to insiders."

Warner Bros. felt bold enough to make the move after lining up several new comedies for this years. Baby Blues failed to attract strong numbers last year, but did manage to maintain average ratings.

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Game Art & Design Degree Added to LA Curriculum
(by digitalmediafx.com) The Art Institute of Los Angeles has received approval to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in Game Art & Design beginning in October 2001. The program will instruct students on character animation techniques coupled with complex modeling and computer mapping that makes computer game animation come alive with movement, color, and action characters.

"The growing field of companies producing computer games is actively seeking artists trained in the art of computer animation and experienced with computer technologies," said Greg Strick, president of The Art Institute of Los Angeles. "This new program will serve industry's needs as well as fill an important area of interest to our current and prospective students."

Utilizing 2D software to create backgrounds, 3D modeling and animation software to create game art, and 3D software to apply textures, students will apply knowledge of video and animation to produce game products. The students will also receive a broad-based education that will help to expand their worldly view by incorporating classes in art history and the humanities.

The Art Institute of Los Angeles will assist game developers to produce story lines and animations that are filled with creativity and clever invention. Students of the new program will also receive guidance as to the social responsibility they hold in developing new approaches to computer games.

As part of the new program introduction, the school plans to offer a series of 10 scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, for the upcoming fall quarter beginning October 1, 2001. The scholarship competition is open to all applicants with a high school diploma and interest in joining the program, and has a deadline for application of September 17, 2001. Information regarding the scholarships may be obtained by calling The Art Institute of Los Angeles.

You can visit the Website for The Art Institutle of Los Angeles by clicking here.

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Video Game Graphics Becoming More Realistic
(by digitalmediafx.com) With the introduction of new gaming consoles, the role of animators and artists is to create a "more realistic" environment to attract gamers. Digital Media FX is pleased to present the following images demonstrating the advancements from upcoming Xbox games:

4X4 EVO 2

Air Force Delta Storm

NASCAR Heat

NFL Fever 2002

Test Drive

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News Link of the Day - Disney Starting Celebration Early

According to Entertainment News Daily:

"Uncle Walt's hitting the century mark, and Disney's throwing him one heckuva party.

To fete the artist and entrepreneur who turned a rough sketch of a smiling mouse into a global empire, the Walt Disney Co. is launching a massive celebration. From greeting cards and knickknacks celebrating 100 Years of Magic to million-dollar gold statues to a 15-month bash in Orlando, the fabled creator of Mickey Mouse is getting a sendup like no other..."

Click here for the full story.

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