I kinda wish I was in New York, kinda, not really.

Ba humbug!!! Movies to look forward to.

Not only did I miss Blipfest last week, but now I'm gonna be missing out on the premiere of 'The Sky Crawlers', the latest animated film by Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii. The film is screening at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, on December 12th, and for all those animation fans out there in New York, the event is quite the occasion. I've known about this film for a while since first hearing about it earlier in the year and have been looking forward another Japanese animated feature to come along and blow me away.

If any of youse readers out there happen to be in New York, please please, try and get tickets to the screening, and blog about it...

You know what, surprisingly it's already playing in Los Angeles at the Los feliz 3 Cinemas. I guess I'll be watching it over the Holiday's since I'll be down there, like every year. Don't need to go to New York after all. Yayy!

Syd Mead Visual Futurist at Granville 7 Empire Theater, Vancouver Siggraph

The Future as foretold through the eyes of artist, Syd Mead.

If you haven't heard of Syd Mead, you must not be a fan of science fiction. In fact, you must not be an artist in the filmmaking, animation, or visual effects field. You're probably not even a fan of the movie Blade Runner. And if you are, and you don't know who Syd Mead is, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Last night Syd Mead -- world renowned artist, conceptual designer, and 'visual futurist', whose credits include a long list of futuristic fantasy concept art for film, animation, toys, advertisements, automobiles, restaurants, and bars, came to Vancouver to give a lecture on his career followed by a Q&A and special free screening of Blade Runner: The Final Cut. The event was hosted by Siggraph Vancouver Chapter.

This was definitely a once in a life time opportunity, because it isn't often that Mead visits Vancouver. I believe the last time he was here, was in the 80's. The theater was packed with students, and professionals working in the movie and video game industry. Mead kept his lecture full of energy with witty commentary about his art, dealing with clients, and the stories he creates in each piece. From the vehicles, to the people populating the scenes. He also discussed his process, (before the time of photoshop layers, and compositing images). There was one particular image about Time-Travel capsules, that he used ink on board and by tilting the board in different directions he was able to get a very organic feel. It was a very informative, and inspiring lecture.

Lots of surprises were in store for the audience, including Full Licenses of Softimage XSI Educational edition to all students in attendance.

Thank you Siggraph Vancouver Chapter, Softimage XSI, and the other sponsors, for organizing such a fantastic and inspiring event.

Be sure to sign up for your Siggraph Membership, for discounts to all their events.

Newest Guest Editor on Tomopop, Albert Art! Miku, from Dan Lam's Anime figurine collection, featured on Tomopop.

Another addition to my internet resume...Tomopop.

The folks over at Tomopop,(Destructoid's vinyl toy sister site, published by Modern Method Network) have invited me to participate in their community as a guest editor. That means I come around from time to time with what ever is on my mind about toys, and art and post it on Tomopop.

For my first post, I've plugged a friend of mine whose collection of anime figurines remains one of the most impressive collections that I've ever seen. Though it may not be as big as other collections out there, his collection is definitely quality over quantity. And what an expensive life toy collectors live. With figurines averaging around the 90 dollar and up price range, the value of this collection, is well... valuable.

Tomopop launched back in February, but it has already gained considerable traffic, and content. Send me links to your collections, and maybe you'll appear on Tomopop!

Check it out!