It’s truly a measure of the pandemic that the 19th annual Ves Awards (to be held virtually on April 6) was dominated by Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” with 13 nominations (topped by photoreal episode). Like the Oscar shortlist, there was an absence of big budget, VFX-intensive studio films. But, truth be told, Season 2 of Jon Favreau’s engaging “Star Wars” bounty hunter series offered the industry’s most innovative tech (wrapped around Industrial Light & Magic’s improved StageCraft virtual production system).
Pixar’s “Soul” was the top animation contender with five nominations, while the feature competition was split between “Project Power,” the Netflix superhero film, Robert Zemeckis’ “The Witches” (which streamed on HBO Max), and Disney’s live-action “Mulan” (which streamed on Disney+), each garnering three nominations.
Joining “Project Power” and “The Witches” in the top photoreal feature category were Netflix’s “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” and “The Midnight Sky...
Pixar’s “Soul” was the top animation contender with five nominations, while the feature competition was split between “Project Power,” the Netflix superhero film, Robert Zemeckis’ “The Witches” (which streamed on HBO Max), and Disney’s live-action “Mulan” (which streamed on Disney+), each garnering three nominations.
Joining “Project Power” and “The Witches” in the top photoreal feature category were Netflix’s “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” and “The Midnight Sky...
- 3/2/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The nominations for the 19th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards have been announced with “The Mandalorian” and “Soul” leading.
“The Mandalorian” leads with 13 nominations including outstanding visual effects in a photoreal episode. “Soul” was next with five nominations, followed by “The Witches” and “Project Power.”
The Ves awards will be handed out in a virtual ceremony and will stream worldwide on April 6.
“Traditions find a way to persist,” said Lisa Cooke, Ves Board Chair. “With vision and a lot of hard work, we are proud to host our annual celebration of the artistry, ingenuity and passion of visual effects practitioners around the world – virtually. We are seeing best in class work that elevates the art of storytelling and engages the audience in new and innovative ways. The Ves Awards is the only venue that showcases and honors these outstanding artists across a wide range of disciplines, and we are extremely proud of all our nominees!
“The Mandalorian” leads with 13 nominations including outstanding visual effects in a photoreal episode. “Soul” was next with five nominations, followed by “The Witches” and “Project Power.”
The Ves awards will be handed out in a virtual ceremony and will stream worldwide on April 6.
“Traditions find a way to persist,” said Lisa Cooke, Ves Board Chair. “With vision and a lot of hard work, we are proud to host our annual celebration of the artistry, ingenuity and passion of visual effects practitioners around the world – virtually. We are seeing best in class work that elevates the art of storytelling and engages the audience in new and innovative ways. The Ves Awards is the only venue that showcases and honors these outstanding artists across a wide range of disciplines, and we are extremely proud of all our nominees!
- 3/2/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The Visual Effects Society today announced the nominees for its 19th annual Ves Awards, which recognize VFX artistry in 25 categories spanning film, TV, animation, commercials and video games. Winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, April 6.
Disney+’s The Mandalorian leads all TV shows and films with 13 noms, and Disney/Pixar’s animated Soul tops the film side with five. Project Power and The Witches tied for second among movies with three noms apiece in a decidedly strange year for VFX-heavy projects.
Vying for the Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature prize are Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, The Midnight Sky, Project Power, Tenet and The Witches. The films up for
Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature are Da 5 Bloods, Extraction, Mank, News of the World and Welcome to Chechnya.
Soul will battle it out for the Visual Effects in an Animated Feature trophy against fellow Pixar pic Onward,...
Disney+’s The Mandalorian leads all TV shows and films with 13 noms, and Disney/Pixar’s animated Soul tops the film side with five. Project Power and The Witches tied for second among movies with three noms apiece in a decidedly strange year for VFX-heavy projects.
Vying for the Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature prize are Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, The Midnight Sky, Project Power, Tenet and The Witches. The films up for
Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature are Da 5 Bloods, Extraction, Mank, News of the World and Welcome to Chechnya.
Soul will battle it out for the Visual Effects in an Animated Feature trophy against fellow Pixar pic Onward,...
- 3/2/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Visual Effects Society announced nominees for the organization’s 17th annual awards on Tuesday.
Leading the way in the film and TV fields, respectively, were Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and Netflix’s “Lost in Space.” Each picked up six nominations. Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” received the most nominations among animated feature contenders with five.
“Ready Player One” also landed five nominations, while “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” and “Welcome to Marwen” each earned three. “Christopher Robin” and “First Man” picked up a pair apiece, while “Ant Man and the Wasp” landed one. Those films joined “Avengers: Infinity War” on the Academy’s list of 10 semifinalists for the category, each of which displayed their wares at the organization’s annual Visual Effects Bake-Off on Jan. 5.
Notably, Marvel’s “Black Panther” and Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” — the final two films on the Academy’s bake-off...
Leading the way in the film and TV fields, respectively, were Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and Netflix’s “Lost in Space.” Each picked up six nominations. Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” received the most nominations among animated feature contenders with five.
“Ready Player One” also landed five nominations, while “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” and “Welcome to Marwen” each earned three. “Christopher Robin” and “First Man” picked up a pair apiece, while “Ant Man and the Wasp” landed one. Those films joined “Avengers: Infinity War” on the Academy’s list of 10 semifinalists for the category, each of which displayed their wares at the organization’s annual Visual Effects Bake-Off on Jan. 5.
Notably, Marvel’s “Black Panther” and Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” — the final two films on the Academy’s bake-off...
- 1/15/2019
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
The Visual Effects Society has revealed nominations for the 17th annual Ves Awards, which will recognize the best VFX artistry and innovation in film, animation, TV, commercials and video games.
Disney/Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity Wars and Netflix’s Lost In Space lead the film and TV categories this year with six nominations, respectively. Disney/Pixar’s Incredibles 2 tops the animation field with five noms.
Winners will be announced during a ceremony February 5 at the Beverly Hilton hosted by Patton Oswalt. Also at the gala, the annual Ves Visionary Award will be presented to Westworld‘s Jonathan Nolan, while the Ves Award for Creative Excellence will be presented to Game of Thrones masterminds David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
Here are the nominees announced Tuesday in 24 categories:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature
Avengers: Infinity War
Daniel DeLeeuw
Jen Underdahl
Kelly Port
Matt Aitken
Daniel Sudick
Christopher Robin
Chris Lawrence...
Disney/Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity Wars and Netflix’s Lost In Space lead the film and TV categories this year with six nominations, respectively. Disney/Pixar’s Incredibles 2 tops the animation field with five noms.
Winners will be announced during a ceremony February 5 at the Beverly Hilton hosted by Patton Oswalt. Also at the gala, the annual Ves Visionary Award will be presented to Westworld‘s Jonathan Nolan, while the Ves Award for Creative Excellence will be presented to Game of Thrones masterminds David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
Here are the nominees announced Tuesday in 24 categories:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature
Avengers: Infinity War
Daniel DeLeeuw
Jen Underdahl
Kelly Port
Matt Aitken
Daniel Sudick
Christopher Robin
Chris Lawrence...
- 1/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
While “Avengers: Infinity War” topped the 17th annual Ves Awards (to be held February 5th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel) with six nominations, “Black Panther,” Marvel’s other Oscar frontrunner, was shut out. And Damien Chazelle’s acclaimed “First Man,” another frontrunner, was included in the supporting category as a result of its invisible VFX. Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” meanwhile, was also snubbed.
However, joining “Infinity War” in the top VFX category were a surprising list: “Ready Player One” (with five nominations), “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Christopher Robin” and “Welcome to Marwen.” Joining “First Man” for supporting VFX were “12 Strong,” Bird Box,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Outlaw King”.
In animation, Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” was the big winner with five nominations, followed by Sony’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” with four. They were joined by Illumination’s “The Grinch” and Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs.
However, joining “Infinity War” in the top VFX category were a surprising list: “Ready Player One” (with five nominations), “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Christopher Robin” and “Welcome to Marwen.” Joining “First Man” for supporting VFX were “12 Strong,” Bird Box,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Outlaw King”.
In animation, Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” was the big winner with five nominations, followed by Sony’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” with four. They were joined by Illumination’s “The Grinch” and Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs.
- 1/15/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
While the name “Star Wars: Episode VII” lingers on the tongue of every nerd across the world, let’s enjoy this spec ad by Bruce Branit, which features the gift of the century. A man and woman trade presents on their anniversary. She gets diamonds and a brand new car. Just when he thinks he’s getting another lame pair of boxers, out comes the Star Wars Millennium Falcon — complete with big, red bow. It’s a fun spoof on those horrible car commercials that need to die already. Bruce Branit and Lucamax Pictures wrote and directed the ad, which features a bunch of geeky Easter eggs. We spotted at least four during our first run-through — but there are several more, including one that isn’t quite visible to the naked eye...
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- 5/14/2014
- by Alison Nastasi
- Movies.com
How awesome would it be if as an anniversary gift your significant other got you a real Millennium Falcon?! Here's a great short spec ad for Disney Star Wars Weekends that was created by Bruce Branit, and it gives us dreamers a glimpse of what that might actually be like. I thought this short was incredibly entertaining and I really hope that you enjoy it. ...
- 5/14/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Why Watch? Pushing all the genre buttons at once, this short film from Bruce Branit is really the first chapter in a series he wants to get off the ground, and if the rest of it follows with this much intensity, I hope he gets all the rocket fuel he can handle. This is another outstanding example of what can be achieved on a low-budget level if you have the VFX and editing knowledge to bring your own CGI to the table. And then blow up that table. Admittedly the high concept and the revelations here have been done dozens of time before, but the first image being thrown from a smart phone into our faces is a nice indication of what this short values: adrenaline and immediacy. The technical skill here is so high (no surprise there considering the source), and the visual winks are so interesting (particularly the reveal of a particular landmark), that I...
- 2/11/2014
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Best director Oscar winner criticised in Facebook post for failing to acknowledge work of VFX team
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee has been attacked by members of the VFX (visual effects) industry for his failure to recognise their contribution to the success of his film Life of Pi.
Lee won the Academy Award for best director for Life of Pi on Sunday, but has been criticised for omitting to acknowledge in his acceptance speech the VFX team who worked on the effects-heavy adaptation of Yann Martel's novel.
The protest has been led by Bruce Branit, a visual effects artist on a string of high-profile TV shows such as Star Trek: Voyager and Lost, who accused Lee (as well as his Oscar-winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda) of ingratitude in a robust Facebook post.
"Neither Ang nor his winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda felt they needed to thank or even mention the VFX artists who made the sky,...
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee has been attacked by members of the VFX (visual effects) industry for his failure to recognise their contribution to the success of his film Life of Pi.
Lee won the Academy Award for best director for Life of Pi on Sunday, but has been criticised for omitting to acknowledge in his acceptance speech the VFX team who worked on the effects-heavy adaptation of Yann Martel's novel.
The protest has been led by Bruce Branit, a visual effects artist on a string of high-profile TV shows such as Star Trek: Voyager and Lost, who accused Lee (as well as his Oscar-winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda) of ingratitude in a robust Facebook post.
"Neither Ang nor his winning cinematographer, Claudio Miranda felt they needed to thank or even mention the VFX artists who made the sky,...
- 2/26/2013
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Reviewed by Michael Juvinall, MoreHorror.com
Nailbiter (2012)
Starring: Emily Boresow, Meg Saricks, Erin McGrane, Sally Spurgeon, Joicie Appell, and Mark Ridgway
Directed by: Patrick Rea
Written by: Patrick Rea, Kendal Sinn
Nailbiter is only writer/director Patrick Rea’s second feature film, but he’s already an accomplished filmmaker, having directed somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 shorts. I’ve seen many of his short films and they are nothing short of amazing, with Nailbiter being no exception. This indie film admittedly has a limited budget, but you couldn’t tell that by watching the film. The movie is so slick and well-made; it would be very easy to mistake it for a big-budget Hollywood production.
As someone that lives in the Midwest, I know first-hand how utterly terrifying tornadoes can be. Rea combines the fear that a ravaging tornado brings with something much more sinister.
Janet Maguire (Erin McGrane-Raising Jeffrey...
Nailbiter (2012)
Starring: Emily Boresow, Meg Saricks, Erin McGrane, Sally Spurgeon, Joicie Appell, and Mark Ridgway
Directed by: Patrick Rea
Written by: Patrick Rea, Kendal Sinn
Nailbiter is only writer/director Patrick Rea’s second feature film, but he’s already an accomplished filmmaker, having directed somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 shorts. I’ve seen many of his short films and they are nothing short of amazing, with Nailbiter being no exception. This indie film admittedly has a limited budget, but you couldn’t tell that by watching the film. The movie is so slick and well-made; it would be very easy to mistake it for a big-budget Hollywood production.
As someone that lives in the Midwest, I know first-hand how utterly terrifying tornadoes can be. Rea combines the fear that a ravaging tornado brings with something much more sinister.
Janet Maguire (Erin McGrane-Raising Jeffrey...
- 11/22/2012
- by admin
- MoreHorror
"The Adventures of Tintin" dominated the nominations but it was "Rango" that received the most trophies at the 10th Visual Effects Society (Ves) awards. Stan Lee received the the Lifetime Achievement Award and visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull received the George Melies Award. Patton Oswalt hosted the event held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Antonion Banderas, Lou Ferrigno, director Chris Miller, Marc Webb, and Jennifer Yuh Nelson presented awards. But the surprise appearance by Martin Scorsese was the highlight of the evening.
Here's the full list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 10th Annual Ves Awards, to visit our Awards Avenue coverage of other award-giving bodies, winners and nominees, click here:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture
Captain America: The First Avenger
Charlie Noble
Mark Soper
Christopher Townsend
Edson Williams
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Tim Burke
Emma Norton
John Richardson
David Vickery...
Here's the full list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 10th Annual Ves Awards, to visit our Awards Avenue coverage of other award-giving bodies, winners and nominees, click here:
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture
Captain America: The First Avenger
Charlie Noble
Mark Soper
Christopher Townsend
Edson Williams
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Tim Burke
Emma Norton
John Richardson
David Vickery...
- 2/9/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Michael Bay's Transformers: Dark of the Moon Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture Captain America: The First Avenger Charlie Noble Mark Soper Christopher Townsend Edson Williams Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Tim Burke Emma Norton John Richardson David Vickery Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Gary Brozenich David Conley Charlie Gibson Ben Snow Rise of the Planet of the Apes Dan Lemmon Joe Letteri Cyndi Ochs Kurt Williams Transformers: Dark of the Moon Scott Benza Wayne Billheimer Matthew Butler Scott Farrar Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture Anonymous Andre Cantarel Volker Engel Rony Soussan Marc Weigert Hugo Ben Grossmann Alex Henning Rob Legato Karen Murphy Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Laya Armian Chas Jarrett Seth Maury Sirio Quintavalle Source Code Annie Godin Louis Morin War Horse Duncan Burbidge Ben Morris Mike Mulholland Chris Zeh Outstanding Visual...
- 1/11/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
The visual effects that we are seeing in movies these days are absolutely mind blowing. At this point it doesn't seem like there's any excuse for a film to have bad visual effects unless the people hired lack talent, or the studio is keeping the cash in their pockets.
There's a lot of good nomination this year such as Captain America, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Out of all of these I think that Planet of the Apes might take home the top prize, those apes were incredibly freaky looking. Weta did an amazing job with this movie, and out of all the other nominations this was the movie I was most impressed by. What are your thoughts? What movie did you think have the best visual effect in 2011?
Here's the full press release with all of the nominations:
Los Angeles,...
There's a lot of good nomination this year such as Captain America, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Out of all of these I think that Planet of the Apes might take home the top prize, those apes were incredibly freaky looking. Weta did an amazing job with this movie, and out of all the other nominations this was the movie I was most impressed by. What are your thoughts? What movie did you think have the best visual effect in 2011?
Here's the full press release with all of the nominations:
Los Angeles,...
- 1/9/2012
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
By Sean O’Connell
hollywoodnews.com: Over the weekend, the Visual Effects Society announced the nominees for its 10th Annual Ves Awards ceremony, recognizing summer tentpoles (“Harry Potter,” “Captain America”) and surprise hits (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Hugo”) for their outstanding visual effects artistry in 23 categories of film, animation, television, commercials, special venues and video games.
“The standard of the creative work that is being considered this year is unbelievably high across all categories,” said Jeffrey A. Okun, Chair of the Visual Effects Society. “The judges faced a huge challenge because all of the work was so far above the norm. We’re honored to have the opportunity to focus the spotlight on the outstanding work that has contributed to some of the highest grossing films and broadcast projects of all time.”
As previously announced, Stan Lee will be honored with the Ves 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and...
hollywoodnews.com: Over the weekend, the Visual Effects Society announced the nominees for its 10th Annual Ves Awards ceremony, recognizing summer tentpoles (“Harry Potter,” “Captain America”) and surprise hits (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Hugo”) for their outstanding visual effects artistry in 23 categories of film, animation, television, commercials, special venues and video games.
“The standard of the creative work that is being considered this year is unbelievably high across all categories,” said Jeffrey A. Okun, Chair of the Visual Effects Society. “The judges faced a huge challenge because all of the work was so far above the norm. We’re honored to have the opportunity to focus the spotlight on the outstanding work that has contributed to some of the highest grossing films and broadcast projects of all time.”
As previously announced, Stan Lee will be honored with the Ves 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award and...
- 1/9/2012
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Even though it will only affect people who live in -- or happen to be traveling through -- Los Angeles and is in no way expected to cause any actual damage to life, limb or property, Carmageddon panic is sweeping the nation.
For the uninitiated (there are probably still a few of you lucky souls out there), Carmageddon is expected to hit on Friday (July 15) evening when a 10-mile stretch of Los Angeles' 405 freeway will be shut down until early Monday (July 18) morning to complete a road-improvement project in the traffic-heavy Sepulveda Pass.
We'll leave it to other sites to get you through Carmageddon with alternate routes. Instead, we'll do what we do best -- relate the zeitgeist to pop culture. In this case, we've compiled a list of our favorite filmed scenes featuring Los Angeles' freeway system.
1. "Freeway" -- One of Reese Witherspoon's first movies, the epynomous freeway...
For the uninitiated (there are probably still a few of you lucky souls out there), Carmageddon is expected to hit on Friday (July 15) evening when a 10-mile stretch of Los Angeles' 405 freeway will be shut down until early Monday (July 18) morning to complete a road-improvement project in the traffic-heavy Sepulveda Pass.
We'll leave it to other sites to get you through Carmageddon with alternate routes. Instead, we'll do what we do best -- relate the zeitgeist to pop culture. In this case, we've compiled a list of our favorite filmed scenes featuring Los Angeles' freeway system.
1. "Freeway" -- One of Reese Witherspoon's first movies, the epynomous freeway...
- 7/15/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Why Watch? We often think of filmmaking as world building, but in this short, a man with Apple products from 2028 actually does build a world for a beautiful woman. Where the architects of Inception used their minds, this guy puts in the hard work of digitally painting by hand right down to the last detail. It’s a showcase of visual effects, and the man’s reason for making sure every last flower petal is right is ultimately as sweet as it is heartbreaking. What Will It Cost? Just 9 minutes of your time. Does it get better any better than that? Check out World Builder for yourself: World Builder (2007) Written and Directed By: Bruce Branit Visual Effects By: Bruce Branit Starring: Brian Paulette and Erin McGrane Trust us. You have time for more short films.
- 3/26/2011
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
I saw this short film over the weekend, and finally had the chance to post it for you. When most people think of short films, they typically have this idea in their mind that it's got to be low budget and it's got to be small. That's understandable.
But take a look at World Builder, which was directed by effects ace Bruce Branit (King Kong, Serenity). The film is kind of like Sim City as a user-controlled movie. It's a nine-minute effects showt of a guy creating the most beautiful world he can think of for the woman he loves.
It's a pretty good concept, but the remarkable fact in all of this Branit's schedule for the film. It was apparently shot in an afternoon, and then pieced together in post production over the course of two years.
But take a look at World Builder, which was directed by effects ace Bruce Branit (King Kong, Serenity). The film is kind of like Sim City as a user-controlled movie. It's a nine-minute effects showt of a guy creating the most beautiful world he can think of for the woman he loves.
It's a pretty good concept, but the remarkable fact in all of this Branit's schedule for the film. It was apparently shot in an afternoon, and then pieced together in post production over the course of two years.
- 3/11/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
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