First Ever Oscar for Papua New Guinea

 Papua New Guinea (PNG), an independent island State located in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, just north of Australia., has submitted its very first Oscar nomination, entitled "Papa Buka.

The film follows an aging World War II veteran as he guides two Indian historians, who are studying the connection between India and Papua New Guinea. This Oacar nomination is auspicious as next year will be the 50th anniversary of PNG's independence.

Sine Boboro, plays Papa Buka in the film

"This is a historic moment for PNG cinema. This film embodies our traditions, our artistic voice, and we are proud to present it to the world through the Academy Awards", says Don Niles, PNG's Oscar Committee Chair.

The film is a co-production of PNG and India. The cast is led by 85-year-old tribal leader Sine Boboro, with supporting cast members from India and PNG. 'Papa Buka' is not just a film, but a building and instructional project. Over 40 PNG film students worked on the project alongside the international production crew.

'Papa Buka' is scheduled for theatrical release in PNG on September 19th, 2025, followed by Oscar campaign events in Los Angeles before the Oscar presentations - we wish them well.

'MUSK': The Full Story

 The 'MUSK' documentary will be an in-depth look into the world's richest and most brilliant man. The docu will have a theatrical release before moving to HBO for streaming.

"No biographical portrait has centered on an individual so at the crossroads of our society as Elon Musk". says Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street., the film's distributor. 

Alex Gibney, the film's creator has indicated that this would be his best work thus far - which includes Oscar nominated 'Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room", and Oscar winner, "Taxi To the Dark Side".

Take Off the Nose Ring

 

PETA, the animal rights organization, wants Nintendo to remove the brass nose ring from Cow, an animated character from Nintendo's latest video game. It's a painful reminder of the cruelty cows endure in the meat and dairy industries" says PETA in their press release.

Launched in June of this year, in a video game called, 'Mario Kart World', the game has sold over 5.6 million copies to date. Nintendo, thus far, has not issued a response to PETA's request.

If this is any indication of what PETA determines is their cause - it's totally off mark. Each year thousands of 'real' birds are killed by wind turbines around the world - yet not one peep from PETA regarding this carnage. 

Also, you see many people with nose rings. The baristas at the coffee shop I frequent have nose rings.

This is not the first 'run-in' Nintendo has had with PETA. In 2017 PETA wrote that "Nintendo had sold its soul by partnering with McDonalds to include a Super Mario toy in Happy Meals. Nintendo should stick to making video games, not cruel and unhealthy chicken nuggets."

Content Based on Your Zodiac Sign

 

Netflix's latest scheme to keep eyeballs on their platform has turned to astrology. 

'Your Zodiac Watchlist' let's members browse the Netflix catalog through the lens of their zodiac sign.

Starting, August 23rd (so you may have already seen this new content sorting mechanism on your homepage) the Zodiac Watchlist begins with the Virgo sign (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22). Netflix is betting that members will enjoy their content based on their astrological signs. Here are a few samples.

Virgos: 'Animal Kingdom', 'The Queen's Gambit', 'Now You See Me'

Capricorns: 'Suits', 'Hostage', 'Dept. Q'

Aquarians (my sign): 'Stranger Things', 'Resident Alien', 'Venom'

I'm not sure what the relevance between the zodiac signs and the content selected. It appears that many of the titles are of old content that many have already viewed and which Netflix wants to regurgitate.

If this is Netflix's latest attempt to boost customer engagement, I don't think 'Your Zodiac Watchlist' is going to work.

Metro Private Cinema - A New Concept in Moviegoing

 

A guest room at the Metro

Tim League, founder and former owner of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas (which was sold to Sony Entertainment in 2024) will be cutting the ribbon on a new cinema in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood.

Called the Metro Private Cinema, the 20plex's auditoriums will seat only four to 20 moviegoers but allow them to choose their movie and order a gourmet meal.

The concept of offering individualized customer service is intended to upgrade the moviegoing experience to a new level. It's a night out at the movies with dinner shared with family/friends.

Dinner can be served family-style

The Metro will offer both first-run films, as well as a choice of older movies which patrons can select with prior notice. And, if you want to view a movie that isn't in their library, they'll get it for you.

All of this service doesn't come cheap. A four-person auditorium for four hours will set you back $200, a 12-person booking $600. Food costs average $100/per person without beverages.

Major cities, with dense populations and smaller living spaces may work well for the Metro concept, which is expected to open in late August/early September.

We'll soon see if there is an audience for this upscale moviegoing experience. 

LG... The First in AI-generated Cinema Ads

'Radio Optimism' is LG's cinema ad campaign that inspires viewers into interactive human connection using AI-powered ad creation. Picture a cinema ad that makes the viewers miss someone and inspires them to write a song or poem. 

The ads center on an interactive platform that helps create personalized AI-generated songs transforming digital music into a shared emotional experience. Once created, the songs are automatically sent to the recipient - it's a new form of digital storytelling. 

The cinema version will be released in various screen formats. The flat format (1.85:1) uses black bands to display a QR code for immediate access. The cinemascope format (2.35:1) maximizes visual immersion.

LG is a global S. Korean electronics firm which was founded in 1958. It has over 142 locations worldwide and employees over 72,000.

LG's goal with Radio Optimism is to turn passive cinema viewing into active emotional audience participation. LG found that 68% of people struggle to form genuine friendships despite constant digital connection. According to an LG press release, Radio Optimism "is technology that enhances human connection rather than replacing it."

How to use Radio Optimism

- Users began by providing simple prompts describing their feelings or memories, i.e. 'missing my sister's laugh'.

- The platform then asks for the preferred music genre and mood.

- It then provides a unique AI-generated song along with album artwork to match. Users just see their feelings transformed into personal soundtracks tailored to their preferences.

Song with unique album artwork

With 'Radio Optimism" LG has moved from product to purpose. It's not trying to sell but connect and participate. Placing this experience in cinemas (where emotion lives in films) is very strategic for the LG brand.

"Cinemas are the perfect amplifier for the Radio Optimism platform", states Ali Elkara, LG Senior Account Manager, "we're using the big screen not for advertising but as a catalyst for human connection that extends beyond the cinema walls." 

LG's move to active advertising in cinemas is a first and a trend that will be copied and repeated by others. Look for these interactive ads at a cinema near you.

The Glitterati's Favorite 'Procedure' is Back!

 Yes, the skin stretch is back in full force. Facelifts have come a long way from the time when only aging movie stars got them. They were considered the last resort for stars who had aged out of their youth...but not any longer. 

The facelift is back in movieland 

Whether small enhancement or full-blown 'stretch' the facelift is back in vogue. New techniques are so advanced that a 'lift' is barely detectable. So, older stars, has-beens, current stars and would-be stars are flocking to get a lift.

There are two types: SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and the deep plane. Think of SMAS as a surface level lift while deep plane goes deeper into the skin resulting in a more dramatic result. 

Highly skilled surgeons charge over $100,000 per procedure, while the norm is about $65,000. 

Smile.

Microsoft Exits the Digital Movie & TV Business

 

Without prior notice or warning, last week, Microsoft ceased all sales and rentals of movies and TV shows.

In a release posted on Microsoft.com. and Microsoft Store, the tech giant simply stated, "it would no longer offer new entertainment content for purchase." No further explanation for this decision was given. MS started the movie sales business in 2006, and it has been a money generator; however, it does not fit into their plans for the future, which will be AI driven.

Also announced was the reduction of 10,000 MS employees over the next several months. These layoffs are a direct result of MS's move into AI. Coincidently, MS's staff reductions coincide with Amazon's announcement to reduce their staff by 18,000 employees. 

AI is beginning to impact various sectors of the economy and companies are going all in on the efficiency and scope AI has to offer. Microsoft has stated it will be investing over $10 billion in AI development across all of its product lines. 

Present Day Hollywood Will Not Survive AI

Hollywood is not new to invisible labor. From the blacklisted scriptwriters of the 1950s to today's collaborative filmmaking where every developer has a posse of scriptwriters, consultants, fixers, ghost writers, etc. that share in the making of the film. 

Cinema is a collaborative art form. Even if Hollywood tries to sell the love of genius filmmakers. But now the story has a new collaborator. Not a ghost writer. Not a blacklisted screenwriter. But something more, AI.

AI is the perfect creative partner. It doesn't eat, take breaks, and, most importantly, it doesn't ask for creative credit sharing. AI is beyond efficient.

Movie writers, producers, and directors are already experiencing with the 'shift'. The jobs of filmmaking have turned from creation to refinement. Authorship is via algorithms. The process is clean, uncluttered, and idiot-proof. And to the moviegoer, transparent.

Call it technophobia, but we record history by who touched the work, who developed the process, who made the invention. Now, the creative line between human and machine is blurred.

The industry will insist that AI is just a short-cut. A helper. Another tool to assist in the creative process. But the truth is AI doesn't need to get credit, doesn't collect salary or fees, wants no residuals, and has no problem with or resistance to changes in what it produces. 

So, in the end AI ensures complete anonymity. But what is lost is the thread of who did what and who is accountable. 

By: Jim Lavorato

The Lucas Museum

 

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

George Lucas offered up the first look of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at the ComicCon convention in San Diego last week. The Museum, which will be located in Los Angeles, will open its doors in 2026.

Lucas has been collecting art for over 50 years and includes pieces from Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Jessie Smith and many others.

"It occurred to me about eight years ago that I didn't know what I was going to do with all the art I had collected, and I refused to sell any of it. Art is more about an emotional connection. Not how much it cost, or what celebrity made it. I've worked with hundreds of illustrators in my life and they're all brilliant, but they never get recognition. This museum is a temple to these people" said Lucas at ComicCon. 

Lucas has had I long history with ComicCon going back to the very first 'Star Wars'. "It's one thing that this kind of art be celebrated, and it's all due to science fiction. SciFi is a myth, but we have made it real" said Lucas about the museum's artwork.

Lucas at ComicCon

No date for the launch of the Museum has been set but it will be the first of its kind. Located at the Exposition Park in LA it will be over 300,000 sq.ft. in size. It will house galleries, two theatres, a library, restaurant, cafe, retail and community spaces.

 

The Kingdom of Jordan: The Place to Movie-Make

 Jordan has moved to the front of the pack by releasing a tiered cash-rebate program for filmmakers - with reimbursement of up to 45% of the local-spend on production. This 45% excludes the automatic exemption from the country's 16% value-added tax and 10% withholding tax, so the total reimbursement could reach a whooping 66%.

"We studied every rival country from all over the world and decided we had to out-incentivize each of them" says Mohannad al-Bakri, Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission (RFC). "Between the rebate, zero tax, and production crews that can step straight onto a movie set, Jordan is now the country with the most cost-effective moviemaking worldwide. 

Under the new scheme, foreign and local movie shoots start at a 25% cash rebate and accelerate to 45% by hiring Jordanian crews, showcasing Jordanian landscapes and culture, or agreeing to on-screen promotional placement of local goods and services. 

Jordan sits in the middle of the Middle East

"We've also slashed the bureaucratic red tape", states Ahmad al-Khatib, Jordanian cultural and communications manager. "Gear can clear customs in 24 hours, visas are bundled, and our liaison personnel streamline the production process - whether the use of drones, street scenes, or car chases, etc." 

Jordan's Queen Rania & King Abdullah, avid backers of the RFC

'Dune', 'Star Wars', 'The Martian' were all shot in Jordan. The RFC hosts 'familiarization' tours for producers and directors looking for a place to shoot. Additionally, the RFC manages six training facilities in Amman (Jordan's capitol) where all the necessary elements that make up moviemaking are taught. 

Essentially the Jordanian government is bankrolling a large chunk of every film produced within Jordan in return for jobs, skills transfers, and tourism dollars. And there is no censorship by the government.

So, with a 45% cash back deal, trained production crews, and a hands-free government the Jordanian offer is extremely alluring to many filmmakers.

By: Jim Lavorato

4DX and Screen X Give IMAX Angst

 

ScreenX with panoramic viewing

Admissions for 4DX and ScreenX-equipped movie auditoriums were up, a whopping 47% for the first six months of 2025 as compared to 2024. This compares to the North American box office gross, which was up 18%.

CJ-4Dplex, the Korean company behind the 4DX and ScreenX systems, is now poised to expand. "This demonstrates the growing popularity of unique theatrical formats", says CJ-4DPlex CEO Don Savant.

A 4DX-equipped auditorium boasts motion-synchronized seating, smoke machines, and powerful fans and water misters to simulate storm scenes. While Screen X auditoriums use multiple screens to expand a film's image to panoramic viewing.

Worldwide, there are 435 ScreenX locations and 775 4DX installations.

"Consumers are clearly seeking experiences that cannot be duplicated in their homes or even at mainstream cinemas, including IMAX theatres. Moviegoing is evolving and premier formats like 4XD and ScreenX are leading the way", states Don Savant.

'How To Train Your Dragon' was a 4DX release and grossed over $81,000 per screen. While 'F1' earned $57 million in only 65 4DX auditoriums.

ScreenX beats the IMAX on-screen image in terms of size and scope

IMAX, once alone in the premium movie viewing arena, now faces competition and has recently touted that 2025 will be a record year for them as well.

By: Jim Lavorato

Celebs Pay to Protect Their Personas

 Keanu Reeves reported that he pays "several thousands of dollars per month" to take imitations off TikTok and Meta.

Keanu with partner Alexandra Grant

Reeves pays a company called Loti to take down thousands of social media accounts each year. Reeves is one of the most impersonated celebrities, and his lack of social media use creates a mystique around his personal life.

Reeves has appeared issuing political messages, advertising products, and on dating sites. Generative AI makes it easy and much more convincing. 

Reeves isn't the only celeb, any number of high-profile people also pay to have their images and voice taken off social platforms. Tom Hanks, for example, had his likeness and voice used for pitching a company that solicted dental work. Morgan Freeman, had his AI generated image and voice used on a series of videos by a person pretending to be his niece. And the list goes on - from Jamie Lee Curtis to Brad Pitt.

Marco Rubio, Head, U.S. Department of State

There is no safe place any longer. Even Marco Rubio, the Head of the Department of State, had his voice copied and phone calls made to his counterparts in various other countries, requesting information and discussing State issues. 

AI generative personas are very difficult to prevent and catch the perpetrators.

By: Jim Lavorato

Cruise and Pitt Team Up

 Reuniting Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a movie would ensure big bank at the box office.

 

Both A-listers are coming off major blockbusters - Pitt with 'F-1 The Movie' and Cruise' Mission Impossible - Final Reckoning'. Now, director Joseph Kosinski wants to make a sequel to 'Days of Thunder' (1990) which stared Tom Cruise and combine it with the theme from 'Top Gun Maverick' which Kosinski also directed.

Pitt and Cruise last worked together on 'Interview With a Vampire' (1994) when they were both up-and-comers. They have remained friends ever since and both turned out to be mega-stars.

Recently, Cruise appeared at the 'F-1's' London premiere to congratulate Pitt and pose for photos. Pitt told reporters that he was interested in joining Cruise once again; however, he stated, "I'm not gonna hang my ass off airplanes and shit like that." Making a clear reference to the stunts Cruise is famous for.

Given the right premise, a sequel to 'Days of Thunder' showcasing both stars would be an instant billion-dollar movie. So why shouldn't they do it and have fun? 

Athletes Turn to Movies for Second Career

 

Payton Manning | Lewis Hamilton | Serena Williams

'F1', the hit film about Formula One racing was co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, the British driver who has won seven F1 championships. He was closely involved in ensuring the film's authenticity, particularly in the portrayal of race scenes, jargon, and the behind-the-scenes operation of an F1 race team.

Consumers idolize sports figures in the same way they do movie stars so transitioning into movies is a natural segway to higher fame and fortune. 

Lewis Hamilton is not the first sports figure that has turned to the entertainment industry, particularly movies, as a means for continued success as they age. Others include LeBron James, Peyton Manning and his brother Eli, Steven Curry, Simone Biles, and Serena Williams have all turned to the entertainment industry for career continuation. This trend will continue as athletics become brands themselves, and Catlin Clark quickly comes to mind. 

I watched 'F1' at a local cinema, and it was great! It's a must-see on a big screen as the realism of the race scenes would be lost via TV viewing. 

Marilyn's 100th Birthday

 

Starting June 1st, year-long events and festivities celebrating Marilyn Monroe's 100th year birth has started. 

Iconic Monroe will be lauded this month by Pantone (color experts) is debuting the 'Marilyn Monroe Collection Palette' - an array of colors honoring the star.

Authentic Brands Group, which purchased the rights to Monroe's name and likeness in 2011 has been inking agreements with Tiffany's, Piper Heidsieck (champagne), Blancpain (watches) and Lele Sedighi (jewelry). 

The year will celebrate the impact Monroe had on art and culture through her films - including 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 'Some Like It Hot', and 'The Misfits'.

Last month, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences', new Museum of Motion Pictures announced that it will feature an exhibit entitled, 'Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon'. The exhibit will be featuring the star 'original screen costumes, photographs, production documents, letters, and personal items. The nine-month exhibit will debut on May 1st, 2026.

Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, and died of a drug overdose in 1962 at age 36. 

Latest Movie Memorabilia Auction Sets Record

 

David Lynch, world-class filmmaker

Last week's Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies sale of David Lynch's estate set new records.

Props from the 'Twin Peaks' TV show, and movies like 'Mulholland Drive', 'Eraserhead', and 'Dune' were some of the over 450 items sold.

Lynch's Director's chair

Lynch's director's chair fetched $91,000 as hundreds of collectors and fans, both online and at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, made their bids. Catherine Williamson, of Julien Auctions, stated, "The global response to the auction speaks not only to the cultural importance of Lynch's legacy, but to the profound admiration he inspired among fans, collaborators, and collectors alike."

Sales included:

- Lynch's unfinished script for a project entitled 'Ronnie Rocket' - $195,000.

- Scripts from 'Mulholland Drive' - $104,000

- Props from Winkie's Diner featured in 'Mulholland Drive' - $7,800

- Script copies of the 'Twin Peaks' pilot episode - $91,000

- A 35mm film print of 'Eraserhead' - $52,000

- Lynch's La Marzocco espresso machine - $45,000

Lynch's espresso machine

People are willing to pay up for entertainment-related memorabilia. This speaks to the robust economy, at least when it comes to the cinema stuff.

Lynch, an American filmmaker, is widely considered one of the greats in film production, which includes: 'The Elephant Man', 'Blue Velvet', and 'Wild at Heart' to name several.

Lynch died in January at the age of 79.

Sex Sells: It's Just Under the Radar

 Think about it... Skydance, a film financing company, has offered to purchase Paramount Pictures for $8 billion. That purchase would include the Paramount studio, CBS, ShowTime, and assets like the Godfather trilogy, among others. Yet, Forest Road, an investment firm specializing in highly creative ventures, is offering to buy porn site Only Fans for $8 billion. 

This demonstrates the disconnect between Hollywood and points to a shift in the entertainment industry, and more importantly what makes money.

Only Fans, is owned and managed by Leonid Radvisky, a 43-year-old Soviet billionaire. The company provides a platform for content creators to post videos (mostly porn related) to their paying subscribers. Only Fans then receives 20% of the fees collected by the content providers. Only Fans is booming.

Lily Allen, an Only Fans content creator put it this way, "Imagine being an artist and having nearly 9 million money paying listeners on Spotify, as compared to earning much more money from having only 1,000 subscribers to your Only Fans posted videos."  

For example, since starting her video postings to Only Fans in 2023, Sophie Rain has earned $76 million. Following porn, the biggest money generators for Only Fans are comedy and sports.

So, what sells? Are the entertainment tastes of the populace changing? What are they willing to pay for? It appears that sex related content, which flies under the mainstream radar, is as impactful as Hollywood productions and, in many cases, more lucrative for its creators. 

'High in the Clouds'

The upcoming animated film, 'High in the Clouds' is based upon Paul McCartney's book by the same name which he authored in 2005.

The film, to be released in 2027, is the story of a squirrel, Wirrel, who embarks on a journey to bring back his mother's (Sugertail) voice after it was stolen by a cruel deva named Gretsch. Gretsch has ban all music and speech freedom. Wirrel, set out to find his mother's old band mates and accidentally starts a revolution.

The voice overs include McCartney, Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, Hamesh Pated, Lionel Richie, Idris Elba, and others.

 McCartney has made it clear that this movie is not a musical but a film about the power of music. He wrote 13 original songs for the film of which six will be featured. 

'High in the Clouds' is targeting family viewing of all ages. McCartney says, "the film is a homage to my first wife, Linda, who inspired the character, Sugartail." Linda McCartney died in 1998.

MPSE Bans Use of AI

The Motion Picture Sound Editors, in a press release, has stated that their association will not accept projects for their Golden Reel Awards that were created with AI generated soundtracks.

"We support the technology advances that assist artists; however, standards for AI generated scores have yet to be adopted and therefore we will not recognize any AI generated sound for our Awards," stated the press release.

The Golden Reel Awards honor achievement in sound editing, sound design, music editing, and foley artistry in films, television, and gaming. The MPSE celebrated its 72nd annual ceremony in February.

The Golden Reel Awards are quite prestigious within the movie industry - remember, sound is one-half the movie's sensory impact.

AMC Decides to CUT Admission Prices

 American Multi-Cinema Theatres, is the largest movie operator in the world, has decided to slash U.S. admissions on Wednesdays.

Arguably the slowest day of the week at the box-office is Wednesday; therefore, starting July 9th AMC's ticket prices for Wednesday presentations will be reduced by 50% - in the hopes of generating more admissions.

Tuesdays have traditionally offered reduced ticket pricing which moviegoing bargain hunters embraced and turned out to be a great success for AMC. Now, its slashing Wednesday pricing as well.  So, both Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be discounted admission days. The goal being to increase attendance overall.

Currently the average adult ticket price is $13 except for Tuesdays when the average price is $11.18. It is true that there is a segment of the moviegoing audience that look for admission discounts and discount Tuesday has been a success in increased admissions. 

Adam Aron, AMC's maverick CEO

Thus far, the U.S.'s next two largest theatre circuits - Cinemark and Regal - have adopted a wait and see posture before moving ahead with reduced Wednesday pricing as they have with Tuesday's.

It will be interesting to see if both Tuesday and Wednesday admission discounts will generate even more mid-week patrons. 

In another announcement, AMC reported that they were adding more commercial ads to all pre-feature presentations. These ads will run before the traditional film trailers. In a press release, AMC was "confident the change would not deter moviegoers, while providing vital revenue, in combination, with our value pricing through our Discount Tuesdays (20% off matinee pricing) and the upcoming 50% off Wednesday admissions."

By: Jim Lavorato

Animation Is and Will Be the Hottest Sector in Movie Industry

 Animation is currently very hot in the movie business and a career in it should be considered if you're looking on entering the entertainment industry and have a technical bent.

Student at DePaul University

How to break-into this discipline may start with attending a program at a school that specializes in animation. Here's the best:

Art Center College of Design - Pasadena, CA

With cutting-edge facilities and a degree program in design, illustration, graphic design with an emphasis on motion design, graduates work in the visual development, directing, art direction, title sequences, etc.

Brigham Young University - Provo, UT

Barring its conservative culture and religious studies, BY's Center for Animation was created with the support of Pixar co-founder Ed Catterall. Although far from Hollywood and its leftist persuasion, BY has strong ties with all of the major studios, and their program is geared to support Hollywood's visual needs.

California Institute of the Arts - Valencia, CA

Founded by Walt and Roy Disney in 1961, this school has a very select admission requirement but offers students the opportunity to develop and produce their own short films.

Cal State University - Long Beach, CA

Cal State offers animation and preproduction curriculums. Students have opportunities to produce short films. Its facilities include a 360-degree theatre, VR rooms, motor capture, and 2D and 3D production shops.

Still rendition from USC student

DePaul University - Chicago, IL

Offering both bachelor's and master's degrees in animation, DePaul uses AI art tools. It has a virtual production stage, as well as a 60,000 sq. ft. production facility with all the bells and whistles.

New York University - New York, NY

NYU's Kanbar Animation School focuses on storytelling and filmmaking through the use of animation. Facilites are top-grade and the first year of tuition for most students is free, if you're accepted.

Rhode Island School of Design - Providence, RI

Students have access to production studios for film, video, 16mm, 35mm, and puppet animation. Students work where they have the most interest and present their works at the school's acclaimed and well-attended annual film festival. 

Animated film from Ringling School

Ringling College of Art and Design - Sarasota, FL

This school offers students the opportunity to make a feature film as its facilities are comparable to that of the major film studios, including Pixar and DreamWorks. Enrollment is kept low, and it prides itself on having won 15 Student Academy Awards.

San Jose State University - San Jose, CA

At only $8,400 for tuition ($21,000 out-of-state) San Jose offers an affordable and very competitive means of obtaining a BA in animation and illustration, color theory, printing, and storyboarding.

Savannah College of Art and Design - Savannah, GA

The animation and motion program allows students to delve into 2D, 3D, stop-motion animation, digital modeling, rigging and lighting for films, TV, and video gaming.

School of Visual Arts - New York, NY

Students can obtain a BA or Master's degree. Programs include motion design, use of AI, and general animation filmmaking from concept to final product. Its new facility features a stop-motion shop and sound and editing studios. 

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA

USC's intensive programs teach animation from a filmmaker's perspective. The school promotes career placement and has state-of-the-art facilities.

So, these are the best U.S. schools for training in animation. International schools that rank high include Gobelins (France), Sheridan College (Canada), and VIA University (Denmark).

 

Hollywood's Battle with AI Continues

 The video gaming companies are currently in negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and have issued what they are calling the "best, last, and final offer" to the actors. 

SAG strikers protesting gaming companies' use of AI

The rife is all about using AI generated voice and images of actors in their video games. Currently, SAG is striking the video gaming companies. The strike has been on-going since July of last year. 

Some of the gaming companies negotiating with SAG

In their latest offer, the gaming companies are removing, a large sticking point: the unlimited use of digital replicas buyout provision. This removes the one-time payment option for unlimited use of replicas. Therefore, performers who consent to the use of a digital replica would receive compensation equivalent to what they would receive if they had directly provided this service. SAG is reviewing this proposal and its negotiations committee will provide a response and "next steps." 

SAG on strike since July of 2024

And so, it goes. AI is a huge problem for Hollywood guilds and unions as they try to preserve the status quo or, at least, be properly compensated for the use of their voice and images in the gaming world.

By: Jim Lavorato