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Posts Tagged ‘anime’

Q&a With Jonkajtys

If you really want to have your mind boggled, then head on over to the jonkajtys channel. There, you’ll find the work of Polish animator Grzegorz Jonkajtys, who’s uploaded some of the most dazzling animated films you’re likely to find on the Web.

To watch his movies (ARK, Legacy and Mantis) is to be astonished by the evolution of computer animation technology. These films, along with the amount of detail that went into them - the interiors of the ship in ARK, the complicated lighting effects in Legacy - are a testament to what a painstaking process this kind of work really is.

For his part, Jonkajtys seems to enjoy the painstaking part. In fact, the longer it takes the better. Now based in California, Greg spoke with Openfilm about the movies he’s worked on: both the after-hours indie stuff and the big-budget Hollywood stuff.

Hi Greg! Tell us about your education, and what you were working on before you started making short films.

I was born in Poland, where I lived for 30 years. I studied graphics at Fine Arts Academy in Warsaw. After college, working as a graphic designer and illustrator, I slowly embraced what was called "new media" - Internet and interactive CD presentations.

These mediums required some animation, whether it was a spinning logo or a flashing background. These elements of motion design were always cool to create, but I wanted to put more soul, more personality and story into my little animations.

In 1999 I decided to create my first animated short film, Mantis. I had to learn everything: How to write a story that would be suitable for a short film; how to design my characters; how to build them, rig and animate; how to set up 3D scenes, lighting, editing, etc. I knew bits of it before, but here I was facing over 5 minutes of animated film and it wasn't easy. It took me nine months. I did this animation mostly on my Mac, using software called Cinema 4D.

What software do you use now?

For animation, I use a variety of software, like Softimage XSI, Lightwave, Maya, 3Dstudio Max, it really doesn't matter. After all, these packages offer pretty similar tool sets for the animator. What I'm trying to do in creating my animated films is to mix real models, miniatures, with CG animated characters. That's how we did ARK, that's how I did Legacy. I build miniatures, light and shoot them. After that, I populate these plates with CG characters. It adds so much more realism, and makes it more believable.

ARK feels epic in scope but is less than eight minutes long and has only a handful of scenes. How did you come up with the story?

It all started with the striking visuals at the ancient Christian Catacombs in Rome. The mesmerizing maze of the underground corridors made me think of the great closed interiors of a ship transporting people, half dead, half awake... That was the main visual inspiration. From then on, I was developing the story. The final twist at the end of the film was written after the production started.

Do you enjoy the writing process?

Actually, I tend to write down very rough ideas, and jump into the animatics. Since I can very quickly visualize the story, using very rough sketches, some low quality audio samples, and editing software, I tend to immediately create a sequence, rather than go through iterations of written story. Even with dialog, I would record myself talking, and put it straight in the time line, mix it with sound, edit it, etc etc.

ARK took three years to complete, and movies in general often take a very long time to make. As a filmmaker, how do you keep the fire burning?

Well, once you believe in your story, you just know that the process is slow and painful to create it. And with animation - especially after-hours, side-project animation - it’s not easy, but doable. What helps is having a friend who believes in the project, and if this friend is an executive producer, that helps, too. In the case of ARK, the producer, Marcin Kobylecki, my great friend, was an unspeakable help and inspiration for me. I have to say, I like long-lasting projects. Ever since college, I enjoyed the assignments that lasted the longest. Whether it was a series of paintings, or a series of posters, I liked to take my time, and evolve my ideas in time. I usually jump into production of the initial idea, right away, and then I polish it, change and shape as I go. It makes the whole process more interesting, and I believe the end result is better.

What movies and other references have you used in designing the look of your films? Spielberg's A.I. would seem to be an obvious touchstone…

In fact, A.I. wasn't the film I referenced in any way. I loved this movie, but in the case of ARK, I was more inspired by Ridley Scott, Alien and Blade Runner being the main inspiration, mostly visual of course.

When it comes to the design of the characters, the stunning portraits of Daniel Lee were my main inspiration. The whole idea of using miniature sets was influenced by Brothers Quay short films.

OK, some film-geek questions. You've worked as lead animator on some really cool effects-driven films. What was it like working with Guillermo del Toro on Pan's Labyrinth?

Working on Pan's Labyrinth was a great experience. I was responsible for the majority of CG insect shots, as well as some faerie animation, and a Pale Man monster CG extension. Guillermo del Toro was very specific about what he wanted when it comes to the look and the performance. It was a true pleasure to work with him, because he just knew what he wanted.

I'm a huge fan of Frank Darabont's The Mist, which has some very creepy fx. What scenes were you responsible for?

I animated mostly the large insects, but also some scenes with the little dragon, and the medium beast in the parking lot. Some shots of the spiders were really fun to create as well. CafeFX was the sole provider of visual effects, and we had great communication with Frank Darabont.

Some users have commented that the hero of ARK looks like Spock. Was this intentional?

The similarities to Spock are in fact NOT intentional. What I wanted to achieve is the pit bull look. However, I welcome the comparison to Mr. Nemoy with honor.

Where do you go from here?

Right now, I am working on two shorts, one live-action called 36 Stairs, and one animated - House of Mirrors. I am also developing a script for a feature film, called The Snow King. On 36 Stairs, I’m collaborating with my friend, director and producer, Philip Koch. It is a very simple story, set in a kind of anti-Utopian world where people's moral decisions are heavily influenced by bureaucracy and the insurance system. (Sound familiar? This is a bit of a sci-fi project, but mainly in the drama/thriller genre.

All this, of course, after regular job hours. From 9am to 7pm, I immensely enjoy working at Industrial Light and Magic in San Francisco, on a variety of big-budget films, creating visual effects.

About the Author

Take a look at some of the most remarkable contributions to Openfilm. You will be provided with some insights into the filmmaking process and the creativity of our contributors. Read and enjoy!

Dragon Half ep. 1 part 1/3 Jap. Dub.

Dragon Half [VHS] $4.98 These two short episodes rank among the silliest anime series of all time. Years ago, a king sent his greatest knight, Ruth the Great Red Lightning Bolt, to slay a dragon; but instead of killing her, the warrior married her. Mink is the result of that union: a scantily clad redhead with horns, wings, and a short tail. (Although she commands an array of super powers, Mink didn't inherit brains from...

Dragon Half [VHS] $1.96 These two short episodes rank among the silliest anime series of all time. Years ago, a king sent his greatest knight, Ruth the Great Red Lightning Bolt, to slay a dragon; but instead of killing her, the warrior married her. Mink is the result of that union: a scantily clad redhead with horns, wings, and a short tail. (Although she commands an array of super powers, Mink didn't inherit brains from...

Blackstar - The Complete Series $19.98 When his space shuttle is pulled through a black hole astronaut John Blackstar finds himself crash landing on the distant planet Sagar! There he is rescued by the gentle Trobbits a race small in stature buy big in courage. Sagar's inhabitants are threatened by the brutal tyranny of the Overlord a dark magician who possesses the Power Sword one half of the powerful Powerstar. Blackstar soon gains t...

Dragon Half $24.98 These two short episodes rank among the silliest anime series of all time. Years ago, a king sent his greatest knight, Ruth the Great Red Lightning Bolt, to slay a dragon; but instead of killing her, the warrior married her. Mink is the result of that union: a scantily clad redhead with horns, wings, and a short tail. (Although she commands an array of super powers, Mink didn't inherit brains from...

Dragon Half $19.98 So you think YOU have problems? Mink's mom is a dragon and her dad's a knight, and that's just the beginning of her list of teenage anxieties! After all, when you're part reptile and you're in love with a handsome singer who's also a dragon slayer, you just know somebody's going to get burned! So what's a lovestruck Dragon Half to do when the man of her dreams wants her head on a platter and Mom a...

Anime OVA: Vampire Hunter D, Hellsing, Dragon Half, Vampire Princess Miyu, Naruto, Higurashi no naku koro ni, Wojowniczki z Krainy Marze (Polish Edition) $19.98 Źródło: Wikipedia. Strony: 94. Rozdziały: Vampire Hunter D, Hellsing, Dragon Half, Vampire Princess Miyu, Naruto, Higurashi no naku koro ni, Wojowniczki z Krainy Marzeń, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, One Piece, Darker than Black, Love Hina, Yattaman, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Baccano!, Wedding Peach, Rycerze Zodiaku, Elfen Lied, Ranma ½, Ognistooka Shana, Lucky Star, Green Green, K...

Green Dragon Mask - Half $19.95 Puff! Ready for some fire-breathing fun this Halloween? Need something lavishly lifelike to get into character? Then this Green Dragon Mask from Specter Studios is just what you're looking for!This awesome accessory features an impeccably accurate, green dragon half mask with attached horns and fangs. Quick, easy and rich with personality, the mask fits around the head with an elastic strap! This Halloween, everyone will get a kick out of seeing the mythological monster in you with this vivid veneer!With this gratifying Green Dragon Mask from Specter Studios, you'll have just the piece you need to have some realistic recreation this Halloween season!

Red Dragon Mask - Half $19.95 Puff! Ready for some fire-breathing fun this Halloween? Need something lavishly lifelike to get into character? Then this Red Dragon Mask from Specter Studios is just what you're looking for!This awesome accessory features an impeccably accurate, red dragon half mask with attached horns and fangs. Quick, easy and rich with personality, the mask fits around the head with an elastic strap! This Halloween, everyone will get a kick out of seeing the mythological monster in you with this vivid veneer!With this rambunctious Red Dragon Mask from Specter Studios, you'll have just the piece you need to have some realistic recreation this Halloween season!

The Goddess Nu Kua Half Woman Half Dragon Created the First Humans out of Clay $49.99 The Goddess Nu Kua Half Woman Half Dragon Created the First Humans out of Clay - Giclee Print

Two Giant Chinthes (Mythical Half-Lion, Half-Dragon) Guarding Entrance to Mahamuni Paya, Myanmar $24.99 Anders Blomqvist Two Giant Chinthes (Mythical Half-Lion, Half-Dragon) Guarding Entrance to Mahamuni Paya, Myanmar - Photographic Print

Anime $23.75 This book is in Used condition

Bakemonogatari Anime Figure Kanbaru Suruga Statue $59.99 Kanbaru Suruga Statue sculpted by Hirotoshi Nakamura. Unique anime figure from the smash-hit series Bakemonogatari. Comes with two different left arms-- bandaged and "monkey paw." Kanbaru Suruga is playing hoops with two basketballs! Enjoy a ball-dribbling clinic with Kanbaru! From the smash-hit anime series Bakemonogatari, comes the third in a series of statues from Kotobukiya, the basketball-playing lesbian Kanbaru Suruga! Practicing her moves, Kanbaru is seemingly frozen in the midst of a complicated exercise involving two basketballs. Bent at the waist and looking back at you with a smile, the charming girl holds one ball behind her while bouncing the other one between her legs. Kanbaru is bright and colorful with a pink-and-red shirt, gray skort (half skirt, half shorts), and red, gray, and white basketball shoes. She comes with two different left arms (bandaged and "monkey paw") that offset her innocent beauty. Sculpted by Hirotoshi Nakamura, this Kanbaru Suruga Statue stands just over 6-inches tall (1:8 scale) on a specially designed display base that also captures her second basketball in mid-air. Enjoy a ball-dribbling clinic with Kanbaru! Originally on the track team, Kanbaru attempted to use what she thought was a mystical monkey's paw to wish herself faster. A demon in disguise, the arm grafted itself to the girl's body, and she must learn to live with its presence.

Anime Angel $19.99 Harry Briggs Anime Angel - Photographic Print

Anime Cheerleader $19.99 Harry Briggs Anime Cheerleader - Photographic Print

Anime Girl $29.99 Tristan Eaton Anime Girl - Giclee Print

Anime Rabbit $29.99 Harry Briggs Anime Rabbit - Giclee Print

Anime Cat $29.99 Harry Briggs Anime Cat - Giclee Print

Anime Mouse $29.99 Harry Briggs Anime Mouse - Giclee Print

Anime Fighter $19.99 Harry Briggs Anime Fighter - Giclee Print

Anime Cowgirl $29.99 Harry Briggs Anime Cowgirl - Giclee Print

Anime Goth $29.99 Harry Briggs Anime Goth - Giclee Print

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009) $9.99 The deadliest assassin to stand the test of time. From the producer of HERO and CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON comes BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, based on the cult hit anime series. Demons have infested Earth. And only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of sword fights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. And now, after 400 years, Saya's greatest hunt is about to begin.

Blood: The Last Vampire (Anamorphic Widescreen) $10 From a Producer of "Hero" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" comes "Blood: The Last Vampire", based on the cult hit anime series. Demons have infested the Earth. And only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of swordfights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. And now after 400 years, Saya's greatest hunt is about to begin. Making-of Featurette, Battling Demons: Behind the Stunts Featurette. "The Making of 'Blood: The Last Vampire'"; "Battling Demons: Behind the Stunts"; English SDH and French Subtitles.

Blood: The Last Vampire (Blu-ray) (Widescreen) $7.88 From a Producer of "Hero" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" comes "Blood: The Last Vampire", based on the cult hit anime series. Demons have infested the Earth. And only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of swordfights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. And now after 400 years, Saya's greatest hunt is about to begin. Storyboard Gallery, Making Of Featurette, Battling Demons: Behind the Stunts Featurette. "The Making of 'Blood: The Last Vampire'"; "Battling Demons: Behind the Stunts"; BD Exclusive: Storyboard Gallery; English SDH and French Subtitles.

Saiyuki-Requiem $29.98 The rebel priest. The hyperactive monkey king. The carousing, womanizing half-breed. The cool, calm collected demon and his pet dragon. They're all back for their most exciting adventure yet!The Sanzo party has always been haunted by the past, and most of the time they've been able to deal with their ghosts. But when they enter The House of Dougan, they may not be so lucky! Lured to the mysterious shrine by a beautiful girl, Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai become ensnared in a trap of dangerous shikigami, murderous doppelgangers, and a malevolent monster who has destroyed his own soul for a demented purpose. Don't miss this stunningly animated full-length motion picture, starring the coolest cast of demon hunters in the history of anime!

Saiyuki-Requiem/Martian Successor Nadesico-Price of Darkness $26.98 Saiyuki: RequiemThe rebel priest. The hyperactive monkey king. The carousing, womanizing half-breed. The cool, calm collected demon and his pet dragon. They're all back for their most exciting adventure yet!The Sanzo party has always been haunted by the past. And they've always been able to deal with their ghosts. But when they enter the House of Dougan, they may have met their match. Lured to the mysterious shrine by a beautiful girl, Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai become ensnared in a trap of dangerous shikigami, murderous dopplegangers, and a malevolent monster who has destroyed his own soul for a demented purpose. Don't miss this stunningly animated full-length motion picture, starring the coolest cast of demon hunters in the history of anime!Martian Successor Nadesico: Prince Of DarknessTwo years have passed since the Great War. Akito and Yurika have vanished. The Jovians and the Earthlings have joined forces and Ruri is now captain of Nadesico B. As the popularity of Boson Jumping grows, a vast transportation network has been developed. Dubbed the Hisago Plan, this network of Chulip portals holds the answers to the mysteries behind Bose particles and their power. If those secrets should fall into the wrong hands, it could mean big trouble. And big trouble there is.A Martian splinter group has launched an offensive, leaving the United Forces befuddled and desperate. So much so, in fact, that the former crew of the Nadesico is called back to active duty for a special unsanctioned mission-to save us all. Does this menagerie of misfits have what it takes? Who will win the race for the Boson technology? And what the heck happened to Akito and Yirika? The answers lie within; deep within the Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture - The Prince Of Darkness!

Saiyuki: Requiem $16.86 The rebel priest. The hyperactive monkey king. The carousing, womanizing half-breed. The cool, calm collected demon and his pet dragon. They're all back for their most exciting adventure yet! The Sanzo party has always been haunted by the past. And they've always been able to deal with their ghosts. But when they enter The House of Dougan, they may have met their match. Lured to the mysterious shrine by a beautiful girl, Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai become ensnared in a trap of dangerous shikigami, murderous doppelgangers, and a malevolent monster who has destroyed his soul for a demented purpose. Don't miss this stunningly animated full-length motion picture, starring the coolest cast of demon hunters in the history of anime!. Character profiles; Japanese promos and TV spots; Reversible cover; Fold-out poster and ADV previews.Art Gallery, Audio Commentary, Interviews.