SF – Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth Signing

Press Release:

The Cartoon Art Museum proudly welcomes author Emily Haynes and award-winning animator and Pixar storyboard artist Sanjay Patel on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 7:00-9:00pm as they discuss their new children’s book, Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth. This event is free and open to the public.

The bold, bright colors of India leap right off the page in this fresh and funny picture book adaptation of how Ganesha came to write the epic poem of Hindu literature, the Mahabharata. Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, especially the traditional dessert laddoo. But when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off! With the help of the poet Vyasa, he learns that what’s broken can actually be quite useful. Vibrant, graphic illustrations that recall influences from Mary Blair to Bollywood make this a thoroughly modern vision of a classic tale.

Sanjay Patel is an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios, where he has worked on numerous films, including Monsters, Inc.; A Bug’s Life; Toy Story 2; Ratatouille; The Incredibles; and Toy Story 3. He has also worked on The Simpsons for Fox and with legendary cartoonist John K., creator of Ren and Stimpy. His previous books include Ramayana: Divine Loophole and the The Little Book of Hindu Deities. He lives in Oakland, California.

Emily Haynes is an editor by day and a children’s writer by night. She lives in Oakland, California.

About Chronicle Books

One of the most admired and respected publishing companies in the U.S., Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. Recognized as one of the 50 best small companies to work for in the U.S. (and the only independent publisher to receive this award), the company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format, maintaining a list that includes much admired illustrated books and gift products in design, art, architecture, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, and acclaimed children’s titles. Chronicle Books’ objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that’s instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. For more information about Chronicle Books, visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Cartoon Art Museum
655 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

CA – Locals Exhibition

Nate Wragg opens a solo exhibition on Saturday June 11th at 7pm.

WIN! Nate Wragg and Nucleus prizes, including original artwork. Click here for details.

About the Artist

Nate Wragg was born in Davis, CA in 1983. He took an interest in drawing and painting at an early age. After graduating high school he studied animation and design at The California Institute of the Arts in Southern California. Since then, Wragg has gone on to work as an illustrator and designer on various projects-including Ratatouille, Toy Story 3 and the soon-to-be-released Puss and Boots. He was also the Production Designer of Pixar’s short film Your Friend the Rat, and has been involved in designing several main title sequences, most notably the animated end titles for Ratatouille. In addition to working in animation, Wragg has broken into the world of children’s book publishing with his illustrations for Disney Publishing’s Too Many Cooks. His work has been shown in various galleries in Los Angeles, as well as in the New York Society of Illustrators 50th Annual Showcase. The artist currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife.

Visit Nate Wragg’s Website

Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801

CA – Free Comic Book Day 2011

Whilce Portacio, Tomm Coker, Joshua Fialkov, Chris Moreno, Tony Fleecs, Tone Rodriguez, and Ray Friesen sign on May 7th.

Press Release:

CANOGA PARK, Calif., April 11, 2010 – Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery, San Fernando Valley’s Premiere pop culture store, is excited to announce this year’s big Celebration for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, featuring some of the best talent in comics, charity fundraiser event, and many great giveaways for all attendees.
 
Collector’s Paradise has a long history of working closely with comic book industry creators. The store holds monthly events with artists and writers from all corners of the industry, and the full time gallery hosts art events and gallery shows.  “Our goal is to be more than just a comic book store. There are many comic book stores in our city. We want to stand out, to become a Destination where one can interact with the people that produce the books.”, says Edward Greenberg, the owner of Collector’s Paradise.  Comic book industry has been very supportive of Collector’s Paradise’ efforts in this endeavor, working with them to organize numerous events to promote their new releases and special projects.
 
This year Collector’s Paradise is presenting one of their best line-ups of comic book creators to date, including:
 
Whilce Portacio – Co-founder, Image Comics, Creator and Artist – Wetworks, Uncanny X-Men, Artifacts…

Joshua Fialkov – creator – Eisner-award nominated TUMOR graphic novel, Echoes, Elk’s Run

Tomm Coker – creator – Undying Love, artist on many Marvel titles including Daredevil NOIR, 5 Ronin

Tone Rodriguez - artist – Tyrese Gibson’s Mayhem!, Snake Plissken Chronicles, Radioactive Man

Tony Fleecs - creator/writer/artist – In My Lifetime, a critically-acclaimed autobiographical comic book

Chris Moreno - artist – Toy Story for BOOM! Studios, Paul Jenkins’ Sidekick from Image Comics.  

Ray Friesen - kids graphic novel author – Pirate Penguin vs Ninja Chicken, Cupcakes of Doom… 

In addition to the great creator line up, the event will feature the annual “Sketches for HERO Initiative” fundraiser, where all of the artists featured will do $10 sketches for the fans, with 100% of the proceeds directly going to HERO Initiative, a fantastic charity that helps comic book creators in need.  Collector’s Paradise has been working with HERO for the last five years to make sure that those creators who need financial and medical help are taken care of.
 
Kids are a big focus of Collector’s Paradise’ effort on FCBD.  The event will feature costumed characters for the kids to take photographs with, as well as several thousand kid-friendly comic books given away to all fans in attendance. 
 
For the first time at our FCBD Event, a famous Korean / Latin fusion Food Truck, CALBI, will be parked at our event from 11am to 3pm, selling their delicious fusion tacos and burritos to event attendees.
 
The event will be held at Collector’s Paradise Comics & Cards from Noon to 7:00pm, with creator signings and character appearances from noon to 3:00pm.
 
Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery is located at 7131 Winnetka Ave, on the corner of Winnetka Ave and Sherman Way, in Canoga Park.  For additional information, please contact Edward Greenberg, owner of Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery @ 818.999.9455 (business) or 818.326.2517 (cell), or at store@comicsandcards.net

CA – Animation Master Class

Pixar Supervising Animator Bobby Podesta of Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 takes you behinds the scenes of his experiences animating at Pixar over the last thirteen years.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 ? 10–11:30am

Advance reservations required; call (707) 284–1263 for cost and reservations.

Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

CA – Cartoon Art Museum Benefit

Spend the day at Pixar Animation Studios For the Seventh Annual Cartoon Art Museum Benefit!
Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Cartoon Art Museum, the only museum in the western United States dedicated to all forms of cartoons and comics, is delighted to host its seventh annual benefit ? on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Pixar Animation Studios. From Pixar’s inception in 1986 with the premiere of its iconic short film, Luxo Jr., to the studio’s latest full-length feature, Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, Pixar has wowed and charmed the world with its incredible computer animated creations. This year, there are two great ways to experience the magic of Pixar up close and personal at the studio’s Emeryville home:

The Family Fun Tier
(1:00 – 4:00 pm)

The Family Fun Tier is designed for families to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the world of Pixar. Entry includes the chance to get up close and personal to rarely seen Toy Story art, sculptures, and other items from the Pixar archives and experience a gallery exhibition featuring stunning pre-production artwork from all the Toy Story features. Family Fun Tier members will also be able to participate in a Silent Auction to bid on original and signed works by Pixar creators. Pixar artists will be on hand to teach kids how to draw Pixar characters. Finally, a selection of Pixar short films (including One Man Band, Lifted, Presto, Burn-E and several Cars Toons) will be showing in Pixar’s state-of-the-art screening room in a continuous loop.

For this Tier, doors open at 1 pm. Tickets are $49 for an individual or $149 for a Family Four Pack, which includes entry for 2 adults and 2 children under 18 (or 1 adult and 3 children).

The VIP Screening Tier
(11:00 am — 4:00 pm)

The VIP Screening Tier is designed for the biggest fans to help support the Cartoon Art Museum and to experience Pixar’s state-of-the-art digital theater. Entry includes access to everything from the Family Fun Tier plus access to Pixar’s Studio Store where guests can purchase Pixar items at employee prices. The centerpiece of the event is a noon time 3D screening that includes Day & Night, and the feature film Toy Story 3. The screening will be hosted by Dr. Michael B. Johnson (Pixarian and CAM board member), who will lead a Q&A session along with several other Toy Story crew members. The VIP Screening Tier also includes an offering of light lunchtime snacks, treats and conversation with the speakers and other Pixar employees.

For this Tier, doors open two hours early — at 11 am. Cartoon Art Museum members can purchase tickets for the reduced rate of $149, while the non-member rate is $199. Save money and become a member of the Cartoon Art Museum today! Reserved rows for ten are available for $1,500. Treat your friends or employees to an evening of animated fun.

Pixar Animation Studios is located in Emeryville, California. Free parking is available on site. Call 415-227-8666, ext. 300 for more information. Click here to purchase VIP Tier tickets or Family Fun Tier tickets. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

About the Cartoon Art Museum
Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum is the only museum in the western United States dedicated to cartoons and comics. The Museum was started by a group of cartoonists and collectors who wanted to share their appreciation of this unique art form with the rest of the world. The Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms to benefit historians, cartoonists, journalists, artists, collectors and the general public.

About Pixar Animation Studios
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL•E, Up and most recently, Toy Story 3. The Northern California studio has won 26 Academy Awards® and its eleven films have grossed more than $5.5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from Disney•Pixar is Cars 2 (June 24, 2011).

NC – Toy Story Signing

Writer/artist Chris Moreno signs at Acme Comics on Wednesday, June 9th from 2 PM to 8 PM! This signing with Chris has been a long time coming, so come on out, pick up your new books, and stop by to say “hey!”

Acme Comics, 2150 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27408

Chris Moreno is a comics artist and creator whose work has appeared in Disney’s Toy Story for BOOM! Studios, The Minions of Ka from Arcana, and Paul Jenkins’ Sidekick from Image Comics.  His creator-owned character, Sanz Pantz: Ninja Platypus appears in the Popgun anthologies from Image.  His other comics credits include Alien Inventor, World War Hulk: Frontline, Dracula vs. King Arthur, Monkey in a Wagon vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel, The Last Sin of Mark Grimm, the webcomic Super Frat, and Zenescope’s Grimm Fairy Tales. Chris’s work has appeared on sketch cards for Inkworks for The Spirit, Shrek the Third, Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem, Hellboy: Sword of Storms, Robots, and Family Guy.  His art has also been seen in role-playing games for companies like Kenzer & Co. , on their HackmasterKnights of the Dinner Table Magazine, and Tony DiGerolamo’s Complete Mafia for d20 from Living Room Games.  More of his art can be seen at Chris Moreno.org, his DeviantArt page, and his webcomic, Dysfunctianimals, can be seen here.

Disney Brings Zemeckis, Burton, Miyazaki, and Lasseter to SDCC

Press Release:

Animation greats Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter and directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton will take part in their first ever Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center July 23-24. The filmmakers will be on hand to help Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures showcase a wide-ranging roster of upcoming films, including 3D juggernauts ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TRON and DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and animated gems THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PONYO and the TOY STORY trilogy.

Zemeckis, Burton, Miyazaki and Lasseter will take part in industry panels.

• COMIC-CON’S FIRST EVER 3D PANEL — Veteran directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton join TRON producers Sean Bailey and Steve Lisberger on Thurs., July 23 at 11 a.m. for an unprecedented presentation featuring behind-the-scenes filmmaker insights about the highly anticipated 3D adventures DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and TRON. In addition to Q&A opportunities with each of the filmmakers, the 90-minute panel will feature never-before-seen concept art, trailers, actual 3D film footage and other Comic-Con-only footage debuts. In a groundbreaking technical feat, this is the first time ever that 3D footage will be shown at Comic-Con. Patton Oswalt will moderate.
• ANIMATION PANEL — Animation legends Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter join veteran animation directors Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements and John Musker on Fri., July 24 at 12:45 p.m. for an animation panel which will highlight upcoming animated films, including Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY/TOY STORY 2 double feature, Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 3, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ half-hour holiday TV special PREP & LANDING, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and Miyazaki’s PONYO. John Lasseter will host the panel and Patton Oswalt will moderate a group Q&A following the presentation, which will include filmmaker insights, trailers and select film sequences.

ABOUT THE MOVIES

PONYO

From the Academy Award®-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes PONYO, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” Already a box-office success in Japan, the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by NOAH CYRUS) and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including CATE BLANCHETT, MATT DAMON, TINA FEY, FRANKIE JONAS, CLORIS LEACHMAN, LIAM NEESON, LILY TOMLIN and BETTY WHITE. PONYO opens in U.S. theaters on Aug. 14, 2009.

TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 – DOUBLE FEATURE (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢)

Disney●Pixar’s TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2 return to the big screen in an exciting double feature Oct. 2, 2009—this time in Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢.

TOY STORY

They’re toys, they talk—at least when people aren’t around—and they’re back… celebrating the return of the “Toy Story” franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢! TOY STORY, the film that started it all, takes moviegoers back to that fantastic fun-filled journey, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys— Woody (voice of TOM HANKS), the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN), the fearless space ranger. The comically-mismatched duo eventually learn to put aside their differences when circumstances separate them from their owner Andy and they find themselves on a hilarious adventure-filled mission where the only way they can survive is to form an uneasy alliance.

TOY STORY 2

Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 2 picks up as Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (voice of WAYNE KNIGHT), owner of Al’s Toy Barn, kidnaps Woody (voice of TOM HANKS). At Al’s apartment, Woody discovers that he is a highly valued collectible from a 1950s TV show called “Woody’s Roundup,” and he meets the other prized toys from that show – Jessie the cowgirl (voice of JOAN CUSACK), Bullseye the horse and Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice of KELSEY GRAMMER). Back at the scene of the crime, Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN) and the gang from Andy’s room – Mr. Potato Head (voice of DON RICKLES), Slinky Dog (voice of JIM VARNEY), Rex (voice of WALLACE SHAWN) and Hamm (voice of JOHN RATZENBERGER) – spring into action to rescue their pal from winding up as a museum piece. The toys get into one predicament after another in their daring race to get Woody home before Andy returns.

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢ and IMAX® 3D)

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 6, 2009.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar^®-winning composer Randy Newman. Opens on November 25, 2009 in NY and LA, and on December 11, 2009 nationwide.

PREP & LANDING

PREP & LANDING is ABC’s first television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The half-hour holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing. Every Christmas Eve, this high-tech organization ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for a visit from the Big Guy (aka Santa Claus). After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voice of Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee (voice of Sarah Chalke), the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny (voice of Derek Richardson), an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢)

Walt Disney Pictures’ magical animated classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. Opening Feb. 12, 2010, the film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of PAIGE O’HARA), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of ROBBY BENSON) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was the first—and only—animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢)

From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER; Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. Capturing the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass” (1871) with stunning, avant-garde visuals and the most charismatic characters in literary history, ALICE IN WONDERLAND comes to the big screen in Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢ on March 5, 2010.

TOY STORY 3 (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢)

The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2″ and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings. TOY STORY 3 comes to theaters nationwide in Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢ on June 18, 2010.

TRON (title not final) (In Disney Digital 3Dâ„¢)

TRON is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.