December 15, 2023 : Tis’ the Season – For Digital Candy Canes
Another year, another Holiday Card. For those keeping track, this is the seventh year I made one with/for the family. Here’s number 7:
Every time it seems like a rush job; but by keeping things simple, I feel it was pretty manageable this year. As always, there are a few things I would have liked to tweak a little more, but overall I’m pleased with the end result.
I’m a big fan of the candy canes, which were created in After Effects. In fact, the whole card was done in AE (with a splash of Illustrator) versus using Photoshop. This was mostly due to my comfort level with the software, as I’m sure it could have been done easily in PS. I plan on writing up a quick post describing the steps. It wasn’t too complicated but there were a series of layered effects, which gave a solid look.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:04 am
Tags: After Effects , Candy Cane , HolidaysComment
November 23, 2023 : Finally, A Christmas Batman Movie
File under something I never knew I needed but glad it exists, this December will see a new Batman Christmas movie. Here’s the trailer:
For whatever reason, it will be on Amazon Prime (seriously, WTF WBD?). In either case, it has some solid names attached to its production. For starters, Luke Wilson is Batman, which for this light-hearted fare seems to work. It’s co-written by Etan Cohen, who co-wrote Idiocracy and Tropic Thunder. Also, it is directed by Mike Roth, a writer on Regular Show… and after hearing that, I totally see the visual connection. Now, if Pops makes a cameo, I might lose it.
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:06 am
Tags: BatmanComment
November 5, 2023 : 24/7 Anime Channel By Crunchyroll
Over the years, I’ve considered getting a subscription to Crunchyroll but always passed due to the lack of time to actually utilize it. This still holds true, but a smile was definitely put on my face upon hearing of their newly created (and free) 24/7 anime channel.
No doubt they have a ways to go before it can be widely accessible (for me that would mean YouTube TV), but you have to start somewhere. Hopefully there’s enough of an audience where it continues to grow; and when I do finally have time to watch more, it’ll be around… and still free.
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:08 am
Tags: AnimeComment
October 10, 2023 : Scavengers Reign
I’m a sucker for Sci-Fi, which is probably why this trailer for a new HBO Max series piqued my interest:
Visually, I’m all in. I am curious about the pipeline. While going for the 2D look, there are clearly 3D elements. Are the characters actually hand drawn, or was 3D used to make it look 2D? I doesn’t look like a 3D cel shader, but I’m not a 100%.
Story wise, I’m a little less on board. The sci-fi hook is definitely my brand, but the thriller part can lend itself to too many WTF moments. The trailer implies the pacing can be a little slow, and I got some serious Akira vibes. We’ll see, but I’ll probably put this on the list of shows to check out (eventually).
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:23 am
Tags: AnimeComment
September 16, 2023 : Stellar DBZ Branded Shirts
Over the last few months, this basketball shirt has dominated the rotation when I lace up:
This was a solid gift for sure, but it got me thinking: What about Vegeta’s skills on the court? It’s probably ‘Air Goku’ fits better visually. Still, why isn’t there equally killer apparel for Vegeta? That’s when I came across:
You did it again, Internet!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:28 am
Tags: DBZComment
August 19, 2023 : Scott Pilgrim Teaser Trailer
Well, that didn’t take long for a teaser trailer to come out – and a release date (November 17 – that’s right around the corner!).
The design seems like a mix of anime and Cartoon Network, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although the camera movements are very dynamic and have the type of energy I’d want from a Scott Pilgrim property. Ultimately, the teaser increased my interest in the show… so mission accomplished!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:44 am
Tags: Scott PilgrimComment
July 22, 2023 : Happy Pi Approximation Day!
With summer well underway, it’s about time we have some fun (that’s highbrow there)… and there’s no better way than by celebrating Pi Approximation Day!
I’d like to think with the advent of calculators, people don’t have to approximate Pi; but here we are. While I wouldn’t recommend estimating it – particularly with such inaccuracy – I am all for giving Pi another day on the calendar to celebrate it.
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:02 am
Tags: PiComment
June 24, 2023 : Scott Pilgrim Anime!
The news is a few months old now, but for some reason I’m just seeing it: Netflix is adapting a Scott Pilgrim anime series. Also of note is that the original cast will be returning:
Details are still unclear – including a premiere date, episode order, and overall story scope. However, it appears the series will start with the original graphic novels and expand from there (possibly into where the video games went?). I was a huge fan of the movie and will definitely check it out. In addition to the cast reprising their roles, the creator developed and is writing it.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:45 am
Tags: Scott PilgrimComment
June 11, 2023 : Futurama As An 80’s TV Show
Apparently, this was/is a popular video trend – making AI generated show intros, particularly in an 80’s lens – but this made me chuckle:
If anything, it made me momentarily think about Futurama, which is always a good thing.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:21 am
Tags: FuturamaComment
May 14, 2023 : Lightwave’s Return To Relevancy?
One could make the argument that this post’s title is total click bait, but that assumes people still care about (or remember) Lightwave. Anyway, the answer to the title’s question is probably not; however there was Lightwave news last month nonetheless. Specifically, it was sold off to another party with the intent on “reinvigorating” the software.
Ultimately, I’m not sure much will come out of this, but I suppose anything’s possible. The bigger question is probably why is this still on my radar, and the answer is I haven’t had time to move onto a different package (aka Blender) – which leaves the door open for Lightwave. Until I have another (most likely personal) project where I need 3D software, I’m still keeping Lightwave around since I have an up to date version. I’m sure there’s the nostalgia factor as well…
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:21 am
Tags: LightwaveComment