So, just a tip on getting things done (think I read this in ‘The Now Habit’ but maybe not…).

Break tasks into groups of 30 minutes. Aim to get a certain amount done in that time (be realistic as to what can be achieved) and then take a break for 10 minutes, stretching your legs or doing something you really enjoy. Then do another 30 minutes etc.

It’s good to list the exact steps you need to do to complete the task, for example don’t write model a 3d dragon, instead you could write:

Model a 3d dragon:
1) research dragon images on google and save reference
2) research dragon in print and video and save reference
3) look at other 3d modellers dragons and save reference
4) sketch dragon and setting
5) make front back side top view character sheet illustration
6) Model in Blender, Max, Maya, whatever…

Check each step as you progress and make sure you know what you want to achieve in each 30 minute slot.

Good luck.

There are also many new indigenous games companies dotted in enterprise centres around the country, with up to 60 of them labelled as ‘high-profile’ start-ups by Enterprise Ireland (Check out what Minister Batt O’Keeffe has to say here).

Well, all in all the future looks bright for the games industry in Ireland, with already 1500 people employed in the the industry. But what about the indie games industry in Ireland? If you’re busy planning your digital game masterpiece but don’t know how to bring it to life, or if you are already developing on XNA, or with Game Maker or C Sharp or whatever, I want to hear from you.

Contact RobotBash about an Indie game you are developing  (or about to launch). Or get in touch about a game you are planning and what you need to make it happen, and we’ll see if we can hook up a skill-set to match.

Irish Indie Game Developers…

Listen to this podcast (XNA DEV CHAT PODCAST) you’ll love it. Interview with the makers of kids game Kissy Poo, a massive hit on Xbox 360. Informative and inspiring.

“Computer games are a global phenomenon and a $25 billion a year industry. Over 800 million people worldwide are regular players. Gamer Revolution looks past the hype, paranoia and hoopla to explore the real stories behind the computer game revolution.

Gamer Revolution explores how computer games are not only changing the world, but giving rise to a new version of life itself. The line between the real world and the virtual world is disappearing. Millions of people feel that they have a life inside these games and that it’s better than their real life.

Gamer Revolution takes viewers around the world from Asia to the heart of the Middle East in search of the most mind-bending stories from the cutting edge of the game revolution. It also features interviews with gamers and game developers including Will Wright, creator of the wildly popular life simulation game, The Sims.

Just how pervasive has gaming become? The US army uses video games to train new recruits and to simulate real-life battle situations in preparation for combat. In Korea, computer nerds are the sex symbols of the 21st century. In Syria, a developer has designed an extremely popular shooter game in which the player gets to kill Israeli soldiers.

Every year, the biggest companies in the industry try to out-do each other in an effort to create buzz for their games. It’s a high-stakes business. The development cost of a new game has almost tripled in a decade. Eighty percent of games fail in the first year, but for those who succeed, the payoff is huge.”
Watch the full documentary now (playlist)

“A breakthrough documentary on the multi-billion dollar games industry & the pioneers behind the blips on the screen. Decades later it’s all gone extreme! Go beyond the pixels and behind the scenes for the true story about video games.

Hosted by Tony Hawk, world champion skateboarder and co-creator of such hit video games as “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” and “Tony Hawk’s Underground”.

Video Game Invasion explores the creation of video games in an entertaining and comprehensive fashion, taking viewers through the maze of games that comprised the evolution of video gaming.”

Watch the full documentary now (playlist)

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Watching a line test is as close as you can get to looking over the animators shoulder while they work without being there.

Check out Bill Plympton’s line tests for his production Cheatin’

CHEATIN’ pencil test #1

CHEATIN’ pencil test #2

The Irish Oscars 2010

Over the past 10 years the Irish animation industry has matured and become internationally recognised as a ‘safe pair of hands’ for companies who wish to outsource their animation production and creative development (creative mostly related to adverts I suspect). Recent Oscar nominations highlighted the vitality and high standards of the Irish animation sector. I’m not going to write a long article about this but rather I’ll provide links to recent news articles that do a far better job of covering the subject.

• Irish Oscar success
• Dubliner among the Oscar winners
• Cartoon Saloon fans celebrate Oscar appearance at hometown Oscar party
• Oscar nominees get vote of approval
• Oscar for art of possible goes to . . . Ballyfermot
• Maeve Dineen: We need to get animated about our talented cartoon studios
• An Animated Irish Invasion
• The Secret of Kells

Perhaps the international coverage Ireland has gained from these successes will make our national broadcasters reconsider their strategy regarding finance of indigenous animation programming?

While we’re here, I want to draw your attention to the site of Gene Deitch. Gene has published his book ‘How To Succeed In Animation’ and there’s more than a few good pointers in the text for anyone thinking of making a move to animation (people like me…well I haven’t made up my mind yet, still enjoying the idea right now…).f

Enjoy.

This is a fantastic short film animated by Cordell Barker. He doesn’t miss one opportunity to maximize the laughs and the pace and soundtrack are spot on. Very funny and so well done. Enjoy.
(Awards details here)

The Cat Came Back

This is a stunning film! I’m not really sure what to make of it to be honest. There’s something dark and primeval about it that makes me feel uncomfortable watching it (particularly the ‘someone’ in the water scene who actually saves the hedgehog).

Hedgehog in the Fog