I had a chance to bust out of LA and head to San Diego for a couple of Comic-Con days.  There were several trip highlights, however, only a few of them are interesting enough to write about.  To start things off, I’ll quickly go over the Sony Animation panel that included clips and discussion for Open Season and Surf’s Up. 

With as much praise as I give Sony Pictures Animation and their upcoming CG films, some people will probably tag me as a cheerleader.  So be it!  These films look great.  They are doing a nicel job over in Culver City (purposely ignoring the work-for-hire ugliness that are known as “Polar Express” and “Monster House”).

Sony put up a sequence of the film that I hadn’t seen before.  Quckie Description: Elliot the mule-deer offers a candy bar to Boog (the bear).  Predictably enough, he enjoys the treat and the two decide to find more goodies by breaking into a quick-shop.  Hilarity ensues and eventually the police are called to handle the situation.  Eventually, the grizzly is nailed in the arse with a tranquilizer dart as Elliot runs off.

Following the clip was a technical beat down of techniques used in the making of the film.  Nothing out of this world, but interesting enough to keep us awake.  This film won’t be breaking any new ground technically, but, who cares!  It looks like a blast and is pretty to look at.

There was also a brief clip from Surf’s Up!  This is a “documentary” of surfing penguins that is being directed by Chris Buck and Ash Brannon.  This looks like another winner playing off reality-like-tv shows. 

Staloren works in the animation industry as a consultant.  His blog "The Business of Animation" can be found here .

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