The timeless lessons of a "One Room" School House

When I was young I attended a "one-room" school.  For those who are unfamiliar, imagine students from K-12 having one teacher.  I know some of you think this would be total chaos but the success of that type of school can be attributed in part to older students acting as teaching assistants, helping younger students with assignments.  They also watched over younger students during recess, which was a time of play and more learning for everyone.  This memory was triggered while I read Innovate the Pixar Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson, specifically the chapter "Ready Set, Go!" Now I see there are timeless lessons in that old school experience.  Everything was about family, just like my vision for Studio Kinate.  I can see the benefit of a multi tiered model where we mentor, support and develop together.  It is important not to copy but to innovate.

Next year is going to be the first of many busy years for Studio Kinate. We will begin production on animations for the Office of Naval Research under the leadership of Rusty Mills.  We will be prioritizing our production schedule, developing our stories, meeting clients, seeking investors, attending conferences/workshops/seminars, etc.  WHEW!  In the midst of that beehive of activity, and no matter how big Studio Kinate becomes, I will remember to observe the lessons of the one-room school—no one is left out ,and we’ll make work and learning FUN!

Studio Kinate Hires Sr. VP of Animation

I've delayed making this announcement, because I am a perfectionist and I wanted all the right words, pictures, etc.  However, the only thing that  perfection does is preventing me from sharing my excitement announcing Studio Kinate's VP of Animation.

RUSTY MILLS is joining Studio Kinate as the Senior Vice President of Animation.  In the long term, Rusty "General," will oversee all the creative projects at the studio.  Beginning in January, Rusty will be the director and producer of the animated production for the Office of Naval Research, C-DEW training.  Rusty recently taught our first Toon Boom workshop and will also be utilized teaching workshops for the studio. 

As I've said in my last post, I needed to "go the distance" and that means I have to make commitments and go for the best and with Rusty Mills, I am taking those first steps.  I want the best leadership available so that we can make the biggest impact on the industry.  I want those yet-to-be animators to be challenged to create the best stories and I truly believe these two people will help me make that happen.


Look out world, here comes Studio Kinate!


Until next time, believe in your dreams and let your IMAGINATION be UNLIMITED!


Char

Toon Boom Workshop Coming-November 1-5!

Studio Kinate will be hosting the Toon Boom, "the worldwide leader in animation software and digital media" workshop!  This workshop is for both digital and turnkey animators wanting to learn this tool from the Toon Boom experts themselves!  This is the first workshop of this kind to be taught in the East.  

To attend this workshop at Toon Boom in Toronto it is $5000 but register by August 31st and you will only pay $2500. Lodging and ALL YOU CAN EAT meals are being provided by the National Convention Center (NCC) for $200 per day (NCC registration information to be posted by Sept 1st).

Click here to Register NOW! Payment is due at the time of registration.  The first five (5) to register will receive a free copy of Toon Boom Animate Pro2 at the workshop!

2D Animation, Something Old and Something New

Blue and red pencils, animation disks, paper, pens, hours of drawing.  I look though books with pictures of the old "masters" and watch the extras of "Backstage Disney" I wonder, is there still room for the old?  I sure hope so. I believe there is room enough in this world of entertainment for various forms of filmmaking.  Live action is necessary for many stories, CGI is great, for some stories, but 2D or hand drawn has to hold a place in the hearts and minds of audience around the globe, don't you think?  Well, I do.  As a matter of fact, I am banking on it.  I mean it, my husband and I have put EVERYTHING into this belief, this dream.  And what I love is that everyday I meet (either virtually or in person) young artists who have the same belief or dream.  

So, as Studio Kinate moves forward, we will be looking for the stories to produce and the talent to bring those stories to life.  After all, isn't that what animation is all about?