LEGENDARY, EARLY DISNEY DESIGNER, STAN JOLLEY DIES AT 86
Stan Jolley, one of the art directors who designed Disneyland, went on to become an art director and production designer for TV and movies. He was an art director for such series as Mr. Ed, Land of the Giants, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and the pilot for Get Smart.
He also designed Walt's studio office set for Walt Disney Presents.
KODAK GALLERY – LIVE FOREVER
No archive of noteworthy posts related to the recorded image would ever be complete without this homage to Kodak's history. Here's the full version of their 2005 commercial, Live Forever.
Have tissues at hand.
TERRY GILLIAM: MONTY PYTHON ANIMATOR
Enjoy a bit of animation history. Pioneer and legendary animator Terry Gilliam describing the process used to create the epic animations for Monty Python's Flying Circus. It was a laborius, painstaking effort by today's standards, with the tools we now have. That's what makes this so interesting; the hands-on-every-detail aspect.
What a delight to hear Terry refer to it as "the quickest and easiest form of animation I know."
It's also interesting to note how plasticine animation has not only survived but thrived over time, where traditional cutout animation seems to have come and gone in a Flash.
MISTER ROGERS REMIX
Here's a video deserving viral fame. Fred Rogers' wisdom is a beacon of encouragement and enlightenment, even through this playful mashup. There's always something wonderfully important to be learned in his Neighborhood.
"You can grow ideas in the garden of your mind…It's good to be curious about many things."
A national treasure, his vision and voice rise above the oft maligned musical medium with which this film was produced. Say what you wish about Autotune, Mister Rogers rocks it with dignity and style.
Substance transcends gimmickry any day of the week. Ain't that right, Rebecca?
"You can think about things that make believe. All you have to do is think, and they'll grow."
RYAN SHECKLER CRUSHES IT IN MANHATTAN
Skaters have always been keen to the power of video and have produced some of the most dynamic work ever. The skill with which they shoot and the style of their edits hardly ever disappoints.
But this takes the art form to an epic level. It's poetry in motion.
Watch as an incredible idea is executed in perfect harmony with a real slick edit. There's some serious skill at work here, both on the decks and in the suite.
CURIOSITY. IMAGINATION. RESPECT.
Listen as James Cameron traces his roots from a curious boy to an influential filmmaker who's traveled full circle to discover deep meaning in passion, life, career, and community. An inspired talk; the hallmark of a presentation at TED.
THE ART OF STORYBOARDING
Here's an in depth video on storyboarding featuring Ridley Scott, director of such films as Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Prometheus, and the now iconic 1984 Apple Macintosh commercial.
For those who'd like more — much more — the article also includes an hour long video of a storyboard-to-picture sequence for the film American Beauty, with Sam Mendes and the late Conrad ("Connie") L. Hall providing commentary.
GOOGLE DOODLE CELEBRATES THE FIRST DRIVE-IN THEATER
An animated doodle graced Google's home page today, marking the 79th anniversary of the first drive-in theater. For those who haven't seen it, enjoy.
SHAKESPEARE’S CURTAIN THEATRE UNEARTHED IN EAST LONDON
Great archaeological finds aren't reserved for lizards of long ago or fallen Pharaohs.
Sometimes us theatre nerds have our day in the sun too.
FILMMAKING APPS FOR ANDROID
Smart phone apps are something I wouldn't normally dedicate a post to, but here's an interesting roundup article Brent Pierce posted on his filmmaking site, Cineblur.com.
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