Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000)

This documentary is just pure gold for animators! Lon Chaney was a genius character actor and make-up artist with an ability to bring out deep emotions in his performances. His theatrical timing, body posturing, and most importantly his facial performances are phenomenal! Chaney understood the balance between caricatured over acting and the power of subtle reserved acting. Also, pay close attention to his eyes and brows and how they ground the facial performances. Amazing!









Watch for the 'hand' performances (6:28)

Thanks Bill Forche for posting the videos!

Motion Study: bird balancing on ball

This is a great vid for motion reference. Funny as well!

Behind the Scenes of VW's Black Beetle commercial

This is a great look behind the making of one of my favorite commercials from last year's Superbowl. The Mill did a fantastic job conceptualizing and executing this spot.

'Loom' by Polynoid

Some amazing texturing and lighting in this piece. The animation and camera work is solid as well. Really nice job by the Polynoid group!

'Cicada Princess' by Mauricio Baiocchi

This project directed by Mauricio Baiocchi is really looking amazing! I'm loving the character and set designs. The fact that they're using puppetry is also super awesome! The production has setup a KickStarter page to raise money to help finish the film by Sept 2011. Check out the behind the scenes vid below as well as their KickStarter page (44 days left to go)!

Project website: Cicada Princess

KickStarter page: Cicada Princess