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    LAIKA To Focus On Features; Commercial Division To Become Indie Studio

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments3060 Views
    A scene from LAIKA's "ParaNorman."

    New venture will be owned by LAIKA/house principals

    PORTLAND, Ore. --

    LAIKA, the animation studio based just outside Portland, is spinning off its advertising/commercial division LAIKA/house to concentrate exclusively on the feature film arena. Next up for LAIKA is The Boxtrolls, its third feature film, releasing domestically on September 26.

    LAIKA/house president Lourri Hammack, creative director Kirk Kelley and managing director of strategic operations Al Cubillas will lead a new studio specializing in short to mid-form animated content for the advertising and broadcast markets. LAIKA plans to continue operations under the LAIKA/house banner as it transitions work to the new studio over the summer months.

    “We’re very proud of the entire LAIKA/house team and its heritage of beautiful, industry-leading work,” said Travis Knight, LAIKA president & CEO. “But as LAIKA finishes our third film and is in the process of actively developing an ambitious range of future projects, it’s become clear that we need to devote all of our artistry, innovation, and resources towards our feature films in order to craft the distinctive and evocative stories for which LAIKA has become known.”

    Knight continued, “With Coraline and ParaNorman we set a high standard for ourselves and the entire animation industry. The Boxtrolls and our slate of upcoming films aspire to push the bar even higher. Our commitment to creating superlative works of art has been the force driving both of LAIKA’s divisions since our inception. We wish Lourri, Kirk and Al tremendous success as they carry on that tradition of excellence in their new venture.”

    Hammack related, “Animation isn’t just a storytelling medium–it’s our life force and our passion. In just a few short years, LAIKA has created groundbreaking works of feature-length animated art that continue to inspire and amaze. We are honored to be entrusted with LAIKA/house’s rich legacy as we build the next chapter of our longstanding advertising and commercial division.”

    Known for its storytelling and character animation in CG, stop motion and 2D, LAIKA/house has turned out work for such brands as Apple, Cuervo, Target, M&Ms, Honey Not Cheerios and FOX Sports, as well as agencies including 72andSunny, BBDO, TBWAChiatDay, Leo Burnett and Wieden+Kennedy.

    Category:News
    Tags:LAIKALAIKA/houseLourri Hammack



    Apple and Google Face UK Investigation Into Mobile Browser Dominance

    Saturday, November 23, 2024

    Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year.

    The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said.

    "This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices," the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on "mobile ecosystems."

    The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers "the clearest or easiest option."

    And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two U.S. Big Tech companies "significantly reduces their financial incentives" to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones.

    Both companies said they will "engage constructively" with the CMA.

    Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security.

    Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system "has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's "committed to open platforms that empower consumers."

    It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the... Read More

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