From Encore Magazine - Animation Feature : "Mad Cow Pictures"
Mad Cow Pictures (MCP) is a Sydney-based animation studio that is fast becoming an internationally renowned studio of world class quality. The studio is currently in the last stages of pre-production on a CG animated feature film 'THE LEGEND OF SECRET PASS' due for release in 2008 (www.legendofsecretpass.com).
The story is set in the American southwest and was inspired by Native American mythology. A Native American family has a mystical secret that has been passed down from the 'Spirit Wind' since the ancient time of the 'Old Ones'. The film follows the journey of a twelve year old boy called Manu who must overcome his personal desires, and realize his true destiny. He must learn the ways of the 'Old Ones' and accept this responsibility to protect his family from a dark and evil power who has unexpectedly returned to destroy them all, and end the ancient bloodline of the family. This evil force covets the power and magic of the 'Spirit Wind' that will give him complete control of the mythical place high in the mountains known as 'Natocchue'.
Ex-Disney director and Managing Director of MCP, Steve Trenbirth is at the helm of the feature as its director. The feature is a collaborative effort of three teams working over three time-zones and spanning three continents, Australia , Canada and the US.
JC Squared Animated Entertainment, a production company based in Burbank California, hired Steve to direct the film and his studio MCP provided all of the pre-production and design. The 3D animation production is currently in progress at Digital Dimension a company based in Montreal . The post-production will be done at 310 Studios and Advantage Audio in the US.
MCP is now in discussions on its second CG animated feature film. Gary Goldman, veteran animator and producer will be closely involved in the film, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the film's production. The film will be represented in Cannes at this year's Mipcom in October, attending will be Steve Trenbirth, slated to be the film's Director, Karen Emery, the studio's producer and Sue Nutman, Marketing Manager for the studio and executive producer on the film.
"We will be meeting with various distribution companies and studios where we hope to raise future interest and funding for the film", says Sue Nutman.
Over the past three years MCP has seen significant growth from its modest beginnings. The closing of Disney Australia has proved fortuitous for Steve as many of his crew at MCP are ex-Disney staff who he had previously worked with during his tenure at the Disney studios.
"I had worked extensively with many of them on various high quality productions at Disney, and am pleased to be able to now offer employment to such an extremely talented group of people. It is this highly skilled core of local and international individuals who's combined talent and expertise has given the studio its service-driven and internationally successful reputation," says Steve.
MCP has recently expanded its growth with a division that services the commercial market, providing all pre-production, concept design, art direction and a comprehensive range of 2D and 3D artistic services to advertising agencies and corporate businesses.
"We're fast outgrowing our existing premises," says Steve who is currently negotiating moving to larger premises.
With these new premises in mind Steve is seriously considering the establishment of an animation training program where would-be artists can train and learn the art of both traditional and CG animation.
"I want to ensure longevity in the animation industry here in Australia , providing opportunity and growth for the future."
For further information about Mad Cow Pictures, please visit the website at www.madcowpictures.com. |
