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Brainstorm Digital
Servicing all the major Hollywood studios and tackling the most challenging digital effects. We have quickly established ourselves as a premier visual effects studio.
We pride ourselves as being cutting edge innovators;
applying our creative ingenuity, technical expertise
and love of the craft to provide the highest quality
visual effects for feature films.
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Tweets
- It feels like the floodgates are open and the work is beginning to flow much stronger... #ThisIsAGoodThingMay 15, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- May 08, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- May 07, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Photo: PromaxBDA quarterly magazine, Brief, interviewed Brainstorm Digital’s Richard Friedlander and Eran... http://t.co/umouWHUP
- @silentalibi Looks VERY good! Nice work! And thanks for the compliment.
- BRAINSTORM WELCOMES AFGHANI ENTREPRENEUR THROUGH http://t.co/QvawCPFJ - Always eager to give back to their industry,... http://t.co/gWJqMKkf
- If you missed us at @TheFoundryVFX booth yesterday, we're there again at 12:30p today. Booth SL9724. Stop on by!Apr 17, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Photo: 3D Artist recently published an article in their magazine regarding Brainstorm Digital’s involvement... http://t.co/x1K0Ztp5
- Video: Our VFX Supervisor had the opportunity to speak at The Foundry’s booth at the NAB show in Las Vegas.... http://t.co/XVAokTb9
- We'll be at booth SL9724 talking about our work on Boardwalk Empire: Today @ 11a & 2:40p, Tuesday @ 12:30p, Wednesday @ 10:30a #NABApr 16, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Almost time for doors to open at @NABShow! Check @TheFoundryVFX schedule here: http://t.co/5pbtHZFP to see when you can catch us.Apr 16, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
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Posts
PromaxBDA quarterly magazine, Brief, interviewed Brainstorm Digital’s Richard Friedlander and Eran Dinur about the work done in season 2 of “Boardwalk Empire”.
- BRAINSTORM WELCOMES AFGHANI ENTREPRENEUR THROUGH BPEACE.ORG
Always eager to give back to their industry, Brainstorm Digital recently assisted Bpeace, a non-profit network of business professionals that volunteer skills to women entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries, in welcoming Ms. Khadija of Afghanistan to their facilities. Khadija is the owner of Farassoo Productions, a production company that focuses mainly on graphic design, advertising, print, and documentary film-making. Farassoo Productions works out of Kabul, Afghanistan and currently employs 15 women and men, including her brother.
During Khadija’s visit to Brainstorm Digital she met with VFX Producer, Richard Friedlander, and Compositing Supervisor, David Reynolds, and the entire Brainstorm team to gain insight on how a professional visual effects studio is run and what it takes to produce award-winning work for current television shows and films. She toured the studio, reviewed some shots from start to finish, over-looked matte painters at work and learned new insights on how to budget for an array of projects. After an informative Q&A, Khadija was off to her next stop on her trip to learn more about different production facilities in New York City.
Brainstorm was pleased to have Khadija and thrilled to help out with such a great cause. Good luck to Farassoo Productions and all of their endeavors!
3D Artist recently published an article in their magazine regarding Brainstorm Digital’s involvement on season 1 and season 2 of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”.
- [Flash 10 is required to watch video.]
Our VFX Supervisor had the opportunity to speak at The Foundry’s booth at the NAB show in Las Vegas. Here’s a clip.
- BRAINSTORM BRINGS HOME MORE GOLD AT VES AWARDS
Another year, another multiple wins for Brainstorm Digital at the 10th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards. This year’s win categories include both “Outstanding Compositing in a Broadcast Program or Commercial” (Eran Dinur, David Reynolds, Austin Meyers, and Anton Dawson) and “Outstanding Models in a Broadcast Program or Commercial” (Matthew Conner, Eran Dinur, David Reynolds, and Szymon Weglarski) for work on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning series, Boardwalk Empire.
Owners Richard Friedlander and Glenn Allen were very appreciative of these wins, explaining that, “being judged by your peers and winning says that we’re doing something right. The only word that comes to mind is ‘gratifying.’”The awards show broadcast will premiere on Sunday, February 19 at 10:00pm on REELZ CHANNEL.
For more information go to the Visual Effects Society’s website: www.visualeffectssociety.com
- VES AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED: "BOARDWALK EMPIRE" LEADS TV
For the second year in a row, Boardwalk Empire leads the Visual Effects Society Awards in nominations for broadcast television. And the name associated with these nominations? Brainstorm Digital. Last year Brainstorm took home wins in “Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program” and ” Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Broadcast Program” for their work on season 1 of Boardwalk Empire. This year they received 4 nominations. In addition to their past winning categories, they’re also nominated for “Outstanding Created Environment in a Broadcast Program” and “Outstanding Compositing in a Broadcast Program”. And with all of the new hit television shows that have aired since last year’s awards show, it’s all the more impressive that HBO’s pinnacle show is able to continue in this spotlight and attract such attention.
The 10th annual VES Awards will be held Tuesday, February 7th in Beverly
Hills, CA and air live on the Reelz Channel.To read more about the nominations, check out the links below:
Reuters.com
LA Times The Emmy award-winning team at Brainstorm Digital has put together the before and after shots from season 2 of HBO’s hit series “Boardwalk Empire”. (courtesy of Home Box Office, Inc)
- THE FOUNDRY INTERVIEWS BRAINSTORM
The creators of the compositing software Nuke, recently interviewed VFX Producer, Richard Friedlander, and VFX Supervisor, Eran Dinur, about their Emmy win for Boardwalk Empire. From the expanding roles of the in-house compositors, to the challenges that Brainstorm had to overcome to complete the difficult shots.
The article ALSO delves into the painstaking attention to creative detail and their technical wizardry, which resulted in an Emmy and industry-wide recognition.
- BRAINSTORM NOMINATED FOR HPA AWARDS
The Hollywood Post Alliance have unveiled their 2011 HPA Awards Nominees which includes Brainstorm Digital’s very own Matthew Connor and Jun Zhang for Outstanding Compositing - Television on “Boardwalk Empire - Family Limitation”. The winners will be announced during a gala evening in Los Angeles, CA on November 10th, 2011. This nomination comes in stride with Brainstorm’s most recent Emmy award for the same series.
- BRAINSTORM WINS EMMY!
Being nominated for an Emmy in the same category as AMC’s “Walking Dead” and HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is an absolute honor, but winning it is even more humbling! Brainstorm Digital’s own Richard Friedlander (VFX Producer) and Glenn Allen (VFX Producer), as well as 2-time Academy Award-winner Robert Stromberg and 2-time Emmy winner Dave Taritero, walked away with the Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Series (“Boardwalk Empire”) at Saturday night’s 2011 Creative Arts Emmys held in Hollywood, CA. Earlier this year the Brainstorm team was given 2 VES awards for their work on “Boardwalk Empire”, and now they have an Emmy to add to the trophy case.
Brainstorm Digital is currently wrapping up their work on the second season of “Boardwalk Empire” and can only hope to receive more nominations for their work next year.
NY Times Reports on “Boardwalk Empire’s” Sweep of the Creative Emmys
- NEW VFX VIDEO FROM BRAINSTORM
In anticipation for the new season of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”, our Emmy-nominated team has created a new VFX collage from our work on season 1. Wait until you see what’s in store for Nucky Thompson this season, and even more-so, Richard Harrow…
- BRAINSTORM NOMINATED FOR AN EMMY!
Brainstorm Digital received phenomenal news recently… they have been nominated for an EMMY! The 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards nomination list revealed Brainstorm Digital as a leading candidate for Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series for their extensive visual effects work on HBO’s award-winning series “Boardwalk Empire”.
VFX Producer, Richard Friedlander was not completely surprised since Brainstorm had already won the comparable Visual Effects Society Awards, but is still extremely honored to be nominated. ”This is Brainstorm’s first series and to be nominated for our first go at it is not a bad way to start.” Friedlander continues, “I think the networks and their audiences are becoming more sophisticated in their tastes and expectations. That is why I think the networks are turning to companies like Brainstorm, who are capable of delivering epic feature-film-caliber work. I’d like to think we are helping television to reinvent itself into becoming much more of a visual storytelling medium.” If this is indicative of the future, you can be sure that Brainstorm has many more visual tricks up their sleeve and in development.
For more information, click here.
- "THE PERFECT AGE OF ROCK N ROLL" OPENING AUG 5
A great new film will be opening next Friday, August 5th, in LA, NY and Dallas entitled “The Perfect Age of Rock N Roll”. Written and directed by Scott D Rosenbaum, this film tells a story of two friends reconnecting to achieve their destiny after one’s brief stint of stardom from a hit debut album.
“‘The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is a kick ass, rock ‘n’ roll movie. From the incredible soundtrack to the character depictions, it is spot on. Kevin Zegers’ portrayal of a rock star is so perfect, he had to have been one in another life.”- Dee Snider, Twisted SisterFor more info and showtimes, check out: http://theperfectageofrocknroll.com/
- "A GIFTED MAN" PICKED UP BY CBS
Brainstorm’s work will now be hitting prime time! Oscar winning director Jonathan Demme’s pilot, “A Gifted Man”, has been picked up by CBS. Mr. Demme sought out the imaginative minds at Brainstorm to create a ghostly presence on camera in his latest TV drama. The audience will be in for a treat!
An initial air date has not yet been announced. - THE ART OF VFX'S INTERVIEW WITH J. JOHN CORBETT
The Art of VFX’s Vincent Frei sits down with Brainstorm Digital’s J. John Corbett to talk about his involvement with The Adjustment Bureau, collaboration with Mark Russell, and meticulousness in creating the content of the featured plan books.
- CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBERT STROMBERG!
A huge congratulations goes out to Robert Stromberg on receiving an Oscar for Best Achievement in Art Direction for Alice in Wonderland, as well as a Visual Effects Society award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire in which he collaborated with the talent at Brainstorm Digital. Both awards just add to his array of accolades he’s gathered over the years in various creative departments such as Production Design, Art Direction, and Visual Effects. He’ll once again be joining forces with the BDi team on season 2 of Boardwalk Empire to showcase his talents and hopefully bring home some more awards.
Robert is coming off of his 2010 Oscar win for Best Achievement in Art Direction for the highest grossing movie of all time, Avatar. - THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU DEBUTS 2ND AT BOX OFFICE
Coming second to the animated reptilian hit “Rango”, “The Adjustment Bureau” was perceived rather well in the public’s eye over the weekend, thanks to Brainstorm’s contribution of visual effects. BDi was brought in to add the incredible details to the planbooks used throughout the fast-paced film, as well as take care of many other vfx-heavy shots. The lengthy work put into the
meticulous planbooks proved to be the selling point of the Adjustment Bureau and their map of the future. John Corbet, VFX Supervisor, devoted many days into these books in order to make sure they captured the brilliance of the underground agency. - BRAINSTORM WINS TOP AWARDS FOR BOARDWALK EMPIRE
Brainstorm Digital took home two top honors from the 9th annual Visual Effects Society Awards.
The first award was for “Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program,” honoring Brainstorm’s VFX Producer Richard Friedlander, along with VFX Producer Dave Taritero and VFX Supervisor Robert Stromberg. The 2nd award, “Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Broadcast Program”, went to Brainstorm’s amazingly talented team of Supervising Compositor, J. John Corbett, Senior Matte Painter, Matthew Conner and CG Supervisor, Brendan Fitzgerald. This event marks Brainstorm’s second set of nominations, but it’s first win. Says VFX Producer, Rich Friedlander, “it was nerve-wracking yet gratifying to be judged by the people whose work we have always aspired to. Now we feel like a member of that special club.” Co-founder Glenn Allen elaborates “to go from literally unknown to VES winners in just 5 years is definitely a hallmark achievement for Brainstorm.”
The awards show broadcast will premiere on Saturday, February 19 at 10:00pm on REELZ CHANNEL.
For more information go to the Visual Effects Society’s website: www.visualeffectssociety.com
Richard Friedlander (middle), along with Robert Stromberg, Paul Graff and David Taritero, takes home the VES award for “Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program”.
J. John Corbett, Matthew Conner and Brendan Fitzgerald with their VES awards for “Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Broadcast Program”.
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Posts
- Jan 25, 10
Congratulations to Meryl Streep on her recent Golden Globe award for her brilliant performance as the legendary Julia Childs in Nora Ephron's "Julie & Julia." Brainstorm was responsible for all of Julie & Julia's visual effects and for the film's main and end title sequences.
Congratulations are also in order for Martin Scorsese, the most recent recipient of the Hollywood Foreign Press' Cecil B. Demille award for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field."
Brainstorm is honored to be currently working with Mr. Scorsese on the epic HBO series entitled "Boardwalk Empire," for which he is serving as the Executive Producer. Brainstorm is serving as the supervising and lead vendor for the series, and is working with Mr. Scorsese on the first episode which he directed and is currently in post. Boardwalk Empire is due to air in the fall of 2010 on HBO.
Brainstorm is proud to have been associated with both of these legendary artists.
For more information, go to:
Boardwalk Empire
Julie & Julia
Martin Scorsese
Meryl Streep
Brainstorm VFX - Jan 20, 10
Brainstorm is proud to announce that it will be working with Sofia Coppola on the title sequences for her up coming film, "Somewhere."
"Somewhere" is about a hard-living Hollywood actor who re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit. The movie stars Benicio Del Toro, Michelle Monaghan and Elle Fanning (sister of Dakota) and is being produced by Francis Coppola's American Zoetrope for Focus Films.
For more information, go to:
Somewhere
Sofia Coppola
Brainstorm Digital - Nov 03, 09
Brainstorm is once again proud to announce that it has donated it's creative and visual services to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. The WWO will be holding it's annual gala fundraiser on October 26th, and Brainstorm has continued its collaboration with documentary filmmakers Randy Bell and Suzana Peric to help create a visual presentation for this worthwhile event.
Hugh Jackman is serving as the Honorary Co-Chair along with Mary-Louise Parker, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber as the Honorary Committee.
The WWO works to transform the lives of orphaned children around the world and help them to become healthy, independent and productive members of their communities. Some of the more well known Partners who work with this great organization include UNICEF, the Clinton Foundation, and Paul Newman's Hole In The Wall Camps.
For more information go to:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Worldwide Orphans Foundation - Oct 16, 09
Brainstorm Digital has just been awarded the title design sequence for legendary director, Joel Schumacher’s upcoming film. Twelve, based on the 2002 breakthrough novel by then, seventeen year old Nick McDonnell, is certain to be a smash hit just like the book. Starring Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Keifer Sutherland and Ellen Barkin, Twelve is the cautionary tale of a privileged group of Upper Eastside teenagers who succumb to drugs, violence and despair. In the hands of Schumacher ,who poignantly captured a disaffected group of teens back in the 80’s with St. Elmo’s Fire, Twelve is destined to be a winner.
For More information see:
Twelve
Joel Schumacher
Brainstorm Digital VFX - Oct 16, 09
The New Line film "Going The Distance," has awarded all it's visual effects and title design work to Brainstorm.
This romantic comedy stars Drew Barrymore, Christina Applegate, Ron Livingston and Justin Long. The film is being directed by Nanette Burnstein, of "The Kid Stays In The Picture" fame and produced by Garrett Grant, Jennifer Gibgot and Adam Shankman. This hysterical look at the trials and tribulations of a long distance relationship is currently being filmed in the Big Apple and will be distributed by Warner Brothers.
For more information, go to:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Going The Distance - Oct 16, 09
Brainstorm congratulates Nora Ephron and Columbia Pictures on the release of the brilliant and entertaining "Julie & Julia", Starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci.
"This movie was definitely one of our most satisfying projects to date," says VFX producer Richard Friedlander. "It doesn't get better than working with Nora Ephron". Friedlander first met Ms. Epron back in 1990 on Herbert Ross' "My Blue Heaven". Friedlander subsequently worked with Ms. Ephron on "Sleepless In Seattle" and several others. "I've seen Nora's work evolve over the years but this film really tops the list by so successfully portraying what I would guess are her 2 biggest passions - food and storytelling." And once you see the film, you'll immediately know what he's talking about since it simultaneously follows the stories of Julia Childs and a modern day food connoisseur and fan of the legendary food diva. "Meryl Streep's performance is remarkable and Amy Adam's is absolutely enchanting'" says partner Glenn Allen. "If this doesn't capture an academy award for best performance, I don't know what will."
This is Friedlander's 4th collaboration with Ms. Ephron.
For more information go to:
Julie & Julia
Brainstorm Digital VFX - Oct 16, 09
Movie Maker Magazine has selected Richard Friedlander, Brainstorm's president, as one of it's top ten people making a difference today for the moviemakers of tomorrow in it's current issue featuring the Future of Moviemaking 2009
According to Movie Maker, Independent moviemaking is standing at an undefined but utterly crucial precipice. The only certain is that new paths must be forged.
According to the magazine, they were looking for people who are...fortifying the industry with fresh ideas. In their words, We've cherry-picked the 10 game-changers we believe are in a position to become major players in the future of indie cinema. It is a roster of truly forward-thinking people.
Says Friedlander, "I was shocked and surprised, but truly honored to have been featured by Movie Maker Magazine and selected for their top ten list. My co-workers are just hoping it doesn't go to my head!"
for more information visit:
Movie Maker Magazine
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Richard Friedlander - Oct 16, 09
Emmy-award nominated title designer and visual effects artist J. John Corbett will join Brainstorm Digital's New York studio July 6th where he will continue his innovative and industry-leading work in title design, graphic design and visual effects.
Corbett comes to Brainstorm Digital from Big Film Design, where he was a Designer/Director creating title designs and visual effects for feature films as well as for broadcast, cable and all forms of digital media. In 2004 he was part of the team nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Main Title Design for "Angels in America" (2003). His many credits include "30 Rock" (title design), "Burn After Reading" (VFX and titles), and "Revolutionary Road" (VFX). His advertising work includes Canon Digital Rebel "Impossible" (visual effects) and Kmart television campaign graphics (2004). He has worked with directors such as Joel and Ethan Coen, Mike Nichols, Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch, and Robert Altman.
"We are very excited to have an artist of John's caliber join our team," said Glenn Allen who heads Brainstorm Digital with co-founder Richard Friedlander. "His fresh and innovative style is an excellent match and will allow us to expand the range of services we currently offer to our clients to include visual effects for commercials and outstanding title design."
"Joining Brainstorm gives me an opportunity to learn from Rich Friedlander's and Glenn Allen's experience in the industry," said Corbett. "They have assembled a very talented team of artists. I'm incredibly impressed with their commitment to the best technology in their facility."
An industry veteran, Corbett received his BFA from The Cleveland Institute of Art, and his MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His broad professional background in photography, video and film, design, animation, compositing and editing allows him to bring a multi-faceted skill set that is an invaluable asset to each of his projects.
For more information:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
John Corbett - Oct 16, 09
Our congratulations goes out to Greg Mottola and the cast and crew of "Adventureland" which opens April 3. Like Mottola's previous film, "Superbad" this one is also destined to become a classic in the truest sense of the word.
The film stars Jesse Eisenberg (THE SQUID AND THE WHALE), Kristen Stewart (TWILIGHT, INTO THE WILD), Ryan Reynolds (JUST FRIENDS, VAN WILDER), Martin Starr (KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD), and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast members Kristen Wiig (KNOCKED UP) and Bill Hader (SUPERBAD, TROPIC THUNDER).
Brainstorm was responsible for "Adventureland's" title sequences and VFX.
for more info go to:
Adventureland
Brainstorm Digital VFX - Mar 20, 09
"The Unusuals" is a police show, but we're not talking about gun shots, we're talking visual effects shots.
And that's what is going on between Brainstorm Digital and ABC's new dramedy series "The Unusuals."
From the creators of "Bones" "The O.C." and "Rescue Me", "The Unusuals" promises to be an off center exploration of a NYC detectives' squad and the insane world in which they work and live. The series stars Amber Tamblyn and Adam Goldberg and is due to hit the air in April. - Oct 16, 09
You may not have heard about the "Morgans", but we're sure you eventually will.
In the meantime, Brainstorm has been awarded all the visual effects work on what will certainly prove to be a priceless action packed comedy. The movie stars Sara Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant as a soon-to-be divorced couple, who witness a murder and must retreat into the witness protection program. They end up in a remote locale, very much different from the trend setting Manhattan lifestyle they are inextricably connected to. Is this the perfect opportunity for them to reconcile their differences? You'll have to wait and see the movie to find out.
This Sony Entertainment/Columbia Pictures release is being directed by Marc Lawrence of "Music & Lyrics", Two Weeks Notice", and "Miss Congeniality" fame. This will be VFX producer Richard Friedlander's 3rd collaboration with Mr. Lawrence.
for more information, go to:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Did You Hear About The Morgans? - Oct 16, 09
No sooner than having wrapped their work on Frost/Nixon, Brainstorm finds itself back in the saddle with director Ron Howard on his next film, Angles & Demons. The all-star team behind The Da Vinici Code, including Tom Hanks reprising his role as religion expert Robert Langdon, have returned for this highly anticipated prequel also based on the best selling Dan Brown novel. Angels and Demons opens worldwide on May 15 and is being produced by Brian Grazer for Imagine Entertainment and Sony Pictures.
For more information go to:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Imagine Entertainment
Sony Pictures
Angels & Demons - Oct 16, 09
Mr. Hoffman has brought the film "Jack Goes Boating", his debut as a film director, to Brainstorm for all it's visual effects work.
"Jack Goes Boating" an adaptation of the Bob Glaudini Off Broadway play, is an unconventional romantic comedy about two misfits in New York City and stars Hoffman alongside "Gone Baby Gone's" Amy Ryan, along with John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega, who are both reprising their roles from the stage. The film is being produced by Peter Saraf for Big Beach Films ("Little Miss Sunshine" ) and distributed by Overture Films ("The Visitor", "Righteous Kill").
For more information go to:
Brainstorm Digital VFX
Big Beach Films
Overture Films - Feb 09, 09
Congratulation to Ron Howard and the entire Frost/Nixon team on the 6 Academy Award Nominations including Best Motion Picture!
Brainstorm is honored to have handled all the visual effects work and designed the title sequences for Frost/Nixon, (A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production).
Good luck to all the nominees, and we look forward to seeing you accept your award during the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony to be broadcast Sunday, February 22, 2009.
For further information please visit: www.oscar.com, and www.brainstorm-digital.com.
Best motion picture of the year nominees
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
"Milk" (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti and Redmond Morris, Producers
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer - Jan 20, 09
Brainstorm Digital's visual effects work on the motion picture Synecdoche, New York has snagged three award nominations from the Visual Effects Society in the categories of Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture, Outstanding Matte Paintings in a Feature Motion Picture, and Outstanding Created Environment in a Feature Motion Picture.
"The three nominations are incredibly gratifying," says Brainstorm Digital's President Richard Friedlander. "And even more so because of the unique challenges Synecdoche presented. Coming up with the visual equivalent of what was happening in theater director, Caden Cotard's mind (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), was a puzzle that director Charlie Kaufman created, but one we had to execute within the limits of reality and technology. Having to recreate all of New York City within a warehouse, within a warehouse, within a warehouse and have it all be believable was no easy task. We played with scale and had to walk the fine line of making something real, but artificially obtainable. In other words, it had to look like it was actually constructed by people and not simply some outrageous digital environment. To be recognized by the experts at the Visual Effects Society who do this type work and who know firsthand the challenges we surmounted, makes these three nominations very meaningful to us."
In making the announcement of the nominations, Jeffrey A. Okun, Chair of the Visual Effects awards Committee said, "Because visual effects continue to grow in complexity and intensity, touching every aspect of the entertainment industry, we are proud to announce the nominees and their work, which have been deemed by the judges as the best of the best. I congratulate all the artists on their achievements."
The 7th Annual VES Awards will take place February 21, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
For further information please contact:
New Mark Communications / Christina Young - cyoung@nmcommunications.com, 914.736.1188
www.brainstorm-digital.com
www.visualeffectssociety.com - Jan 22, 09
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRAINSTORM DIGITAL AND IT'S ARTISTS & CREW FOR ALL THE OUTSTANDING WORK ON CHARLIE KAUFMAN'S "SYNECDOCHE, NY".
Among visual effects shops, Brainstorm Digital with 3 nominations, puts it not too far from the top of the list for number of categories. "To be nominated in these 3 categories, is more than we could have hoped for. We are all honored to be amongst such good company, says Synecdoche VFX Producer, Richard Friedlander.
"SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK" was nominated in the following categories:
1. Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture
(Mark Russell, Richard Friedlander, Eric Robertson, Brett Miller)
2. Outstanding Matte Paintings in a Feature Motion Picture
(Brett Miller, Garrett Eaton, Matthew Conner)
3. Outstanding Created Environment in a Feature Motion Picture
(Brett Miller, Garrett Eaton, Matthew Conner)
The VES Awards will be presented Feb. 21 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Jeffrey A. Okun, Chair of the Visual Effects Awards Committee said, “...We are proud to announce the nominees and their work, which have been deemed by the judges as the best of the best. I congratulate all the artists on their achievements.”
The other nominees alongside Synecdoche are the following:
Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture
SYNECDOCHE NEW YORK, CHANGELING , EAGLE EYE, VALKYRIE, NIM’S ISLAND
Outstanding Matte Paintings in a Feature Motion Picture
SYNECDOCHE NY-Matte Paintings, CHANGELING, INDIANA JONES, SPEED RACER
Outstanding Created Environment in a Feature Motion Picture
SYNECDOCHE NY-Created Environment, CLOVERFIELD, THE DARK KNIGHT, INDIANA JONES, THE MUMMY
For more info on the VES awards, please go to: www.visualeffectssociety.com
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
The Directors Guild of America released its nominees today for its top honor - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film. Among the honorees for this very important award was none other than “Frost/Nixon.” Our congratulations goes out to Ron Howard for his exceptional and masterful direction of this great film.
The DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film has traditionally been one of the industry's most accurate barometers for who will win the Best Director Academy Award.
for more information on the DGA awards go to: www.dga.org
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
Congratulations to Golden Globe nominees for which Brainstorm worked on -
FROST/NIXON, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, and BURN AFTER READING.
Brainstorm Digital is honored to have played a part in the making of these films.
FROST/NIXON - Best Motion Picture - Drama
Ron Howard - Best Director
Frank Langella - Best Performance - Drama
Peter Morgan - Best Screenplay
Hans Zimmer - Best Original Score
BURN AFTER READING - Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Frances McDormand - Best Performance - Musical or Comedy
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
Anne Hathaway - Best Performance - Drama
Good luck to all and we look forward to seeing you accepting your awards during the upcoming 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards to be broadcast in January.
For more information on the Golden globes, go to: www.goldenglobes.org
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
We'd like to think that Antoine Fuqua's latest project was named with Brainstorm Digital in mind. Perhaps not; but we are certain that Brainstorm was in mind since it has been awarded all effects work on this upcoming action thriller. With an all-star cast of Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawk, Ellen Barken, and Wesley Snipes, "Brooklyn's Finest" will certainly prove to be Fuqua's most dynamic effort yet. Visual effects producer Glenn Allen states it best when he says, "Antoine's films never cease to amaze me; I never know what he will come up with next. He always keeps his audience and fans guessing. As filmmakers go, he's as versatile as they get." This Millennium Films production is due out in 2009.
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
Our hats off to the following Brainstorm films which have been nominated for the IFC Spirit Awards. Brainstorm is honored to have played a part in helping all of these films to the big screen!
Best Feature:
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
Best Director: Jonathan Demme
Best First Screenplay: Jenny Lumet
Best Female Lead: Anne Hathaway
Best Supporting Actress: Debra Winger
Best First Feature:
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, Charlie Kaufman
Best Screenplay: Charlie Kaufman
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD:
Charlie Kaufman, Jeanne McCarthy, and the Cast of SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
(Given to the film's director, casting director and ensemble cast)
Congratulations to all for a job well done!
For more information on the films and the awards, go to: www.ifc.com/film
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
What does the prestigious National Board of Review and Brainstorm have in common? Three Movies on which Brainstorm did the visual effects work!
Top Ten Films:
BURN AFTER READING (Joel & Ethan Coen)
FROST/NIXON (Directed by Ron Howard)
Top Independent Films:
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (Directed by Jonathan Demme)
Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway for RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (Directed by Jonathan Demme)
Our congratulations go out to all the filmmakers and talent involved in the making of these extraordinary films.
For more information on the films and the awards, go to: www.nbrmp.org
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jan 22, 09
Hopefully the holiday season instills generosity in all of us. For Brainstorm, it took the form of donating it's creative and visual services to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. The WWO recently held it's gala fundraiser and Brainstorm collaborated with documentary filmmakers Randy Bell and Suzana Peric to help create a visual presentation for the event. It was a huge success and WWO was able to raise over 1.3 million dollars. The WWO works to transform the lives of orphaned children around the world and help them to become healthy, independent and productive members of their communities. Some of the more well known Partners who work with this great organization include UNICEF, the Clinton Foundation, and Paul Newman's Hole In The Wall Camps.
To find out more about the WWO and/or to make a donation, please go to their website at: www.wwo.org
www.brainstorm-digital.com - Jul 18, 08
In addition to creating and designing the Main and End Title sequences, Brainstorm has been awarded the visual effects work for Greg Mattola's "Adventureland". Distributed by Miramax Films and produced by Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and This Is That Productions, "Adventureland" stars a stellar cast of young actors including Bill Hader, of Saturday Night Live fame. It is due in theaters next year.
- Jul 08, 08
For the fans of last summer's super hit "Superbad", we're sure the anticipation for Greg Mattola's next creation will be fairly high. As huge fans ourselves, we can whole heartedly say you won't be let down. On his latest film, "Adventureland", Greg takes his superb comic timing and coming of age insight into a whole new realm and we are very excited to be a part of it. Brainstorm will be designing and creating the title sequence for what will undoubtedly be another classic. This charmer of a movie spans the full gamut of youthful emotions like the ultimate roller coaster ride of your youth. Be first in line, it'll be well worth the wait.
- Jun 16, 08
Jonathan Demme's recently filmed concert document of the Neil Young Trunk Tour is being post produced and edited at Brainstorm Digital.
Having just completed visual effects work on Demme's upcoming film entitled "Rachel Getting Married, vfx producer Glenn Allen pitched Demme on the idea of editing at Brainstorm and it blossomed from there. Says vfx producer/editor Glenn Allen, "It just sort of started with one song and exponentially grew from there. Jonathan saw a cut of the first song and went crazy". Realizing there was more than just your standard concert film, Demme quickly sent all the footage to Allen and ordered him to get to work. Now at feature length and just screened and sanctioned by the legendary musical troubadour himself, the possibilities are limitless. Stay tuned for more updates and info...
