PENCIL LINES: Recent Comments

Comment on THANKS TO EVERETT!

Tony — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:12:38 GMT

I think you might have the opportunity again soon Jason. It looks like I might be making a return visit next month to offer a second part to my presentation. (Subject to final confirmation that is.) It was good to meet you anyway and thank you for your kind comments. Tony. :^{)}=-

Comment on THANKS TO EVERETT!

Jason Fruchter — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:55:40 GMT

Hi Tony,
I enjoyed your presentation at the Seattle Flash Users Group very much! What a fantastic career you've had. I admire your work. I especially appreciate how you enjoy working in various styles depending on the project at hand. As an illustrator for licensed properties, I also work in many different styles. I find each time I imitate someone else's way of drawing, it enhances my own style. I bought a copy of "Endangered Species" and am looking forward to watch it, plus the entire "Hokusai" film.
It was a pleasure meeting you briefly after the presentation. I hope to have the opportunity to see you again in the future.
Best wishes,
Jason

Comment on HISTORY REVISITED

tonymaticus — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:43:24 GMT

That's great news Charlie. Please do try to make contact with Karl and see if he has an interest in getting the beast operational. It would be great to actually shoot some animation on it after all this time, despite all the logistical challenges it might reveal. (Not sure what the shipping costs of anything that heavy would be though?) Are the parts still in Ireland do you think?

Thank you too for your offer of help. Where are you based by the way?

Tony :^{)}=-

Comment on HISTORY REVISITED

Charles Vaughn — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:23:45 GMT

I have been in contact with one of our former Cinetron technicians and a former cameraman for Bon Bluth productions in Ireland, Karl Bradendieck. Karl told me that he has quite a few bits and parts for the Cinetron systems ( Bluth had 2, I believe)as well as schematics, etc that you might find helpful if you really want to bring the beast back to life. Karl just held on to the stuff when Bluth collapsed and he might be willing to just donate them to the cause. I would also be interested in helping as much as I can in the effort, just let me know and I'll pass along Karl's info
Charlie

Comment on 'ANIMATION FROM PENCILS TO PIXELS' ...NOW IN CHINESE!

tonymaticus — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:42:28 GMT

Hi Brett. Glad you liked it! I tried to get a close to a genuine classroom/apprenticeship learning experience as possible and although I communicate in a 2D language the lessons can largely be replicated in 3D too as you have seen. Thanks for the feedback.

Incidentally, I'll be making an announcement in a few weeks time for my new publishing project with Focal Press. Its something that has not be done before and yet lets me communicate information far better than previously possible. (Sorry to be mysterious about this... we're still working on a prototype right now and when its right we'll announce exactly what it is!)

Thanks again for your positive response to my book.

Tony. :^{)}=-

Comment on 'ANIMATION FROM PENCILS TO PIXELS' ...NOW IN CHINESE!

Brett McCoy — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:21:13 GMT

Hey Tony, I just got your new book and wanted to say how much I like it! I love the "over the shoulder" aspects of the book and the step-by-step exercises you walk the student through.

Comment on HISTORY REVISITED

tonymaticus — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:56:55 GMT

Thank you Charles for this excellent information, it really gives perspective on it all. I'd love to shoot a real animated film on it now! However, I suspect (alas) those days are now gone for us all.

Thanks again!

Tony. :^{)}=-

Comment on HISTORY REVISITED

Charles Vaughn — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:27:47 GMT

This equipment was built by Cinetron Computer Systems of Atlanta. We stripped the electronics from the Oxberry animation stand and outfitted it with the proprietary Cinetron computer control system. The principals of Cinetron were Gene Nottingham, Don Hudgins, Hal Pearson and myself, Charles Vaughn. Cinetron held the original patents for computer controlled animation and produced systems for Disney, MGM, ABC, CBS,Don Bluth, Pacific Title and scores and scores of major animation producers, studios and effects and optical houses worldwide until the company turned to industrial controls in the 1990's.
All the original partners have retired.
Cinetron produced a number of models of its systems: 300 350 500 800 and 1100. Systems were also fitted to horizontal flat-bed camera rigs. The early systems utilized stepping motors for precision movement and later systems utilized servo motors to accommodate live shooting speeds with stop-motion repeatability and precision. Cinetron also developed the Steadi-Film servo control system for video producers.
More information can be found at: www.charles-vaughn-images.com .

Comment on THE AMAZING CASE OF MICHAEL COTTAM!

Bryden Ng — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:49:39 GMT

I was also one of Michael's students in Singapore and I agree that he is a really great teacher, who motivates and inspires his students to continue improving their skills in the games industry.

Comment on THE AMAZING CASE OF MICHAEL COTTAM!

Lahiri — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:08:52 GMT

I was his student back in S'pore and he is the best there is. I was really fortunate to have him teach me and it has greatly motivated and inspired me to push my limits for my craft.