The Animation Lovers Holiday Gift Guide

Mind Candy

e have taken the leg work out of your shopping this holiday season and picked a Dy-No-Mite selection of books, DVDs, toys, tech tools and trinkets that are bound to please those picky toonheads in your lives. Or you can simply put these goodies on your must-have list so Santa Claus, Hanukah Harry, All-forgiving Allah or Kwanza Kenny will know exactly what to bring you this year!

Heart of Steel

Like many of our most popular cartoon characters, hes selfish, childlike, greedy, annoying and completely driven by his love for himself! Yes, were talking about Bender, one of the main reasons we all fell in love with Matt Groening and David X. Cohens original Fox show, Futurama. Now that the series is in production again, you can celebrate by getting your hands on a beautiful nine-inch Bright n Shiny version of the metallic monster. Packaged in a killer blue-and-silver edition box, this must-have toy comes with Benders familiar stogie and a new can of Moms Old-Fashioned Robot Oil. Now who wouldnt want to find this wind-up, walking, metallic monster (priced around $24.99) under the old Christmas tree?
There are very few animation lovers who dont have a special place in their hearts for comic books. Thats why one of the best gifts for animators this holiday season may very well be the crisp new inaugraul volume of Houghton Mifflins The Best American Comics ($22) series. Edited by Harvey Pekar (American Splendor) and Anne Elizabeth Moore (Punk Planet magazine), this 382-page joyride offers a mind-blowing collection of graphic faves, from Rebbeca Darts Rabbithead and Alex Robinsons Tricked to Justin Hals La Rubia Loca. This sampler gives us both established artists such as Crumb, Lynda Barry, Chris Ware and Jaime Hernandez and newcomers such as Lillie Carre and Jesse Reklaw (who shares the tale of a torn childhood and the authors relationship with 13 ill-fated pet kittens!). These smart, fantastic and, at times, quite poignant tales may very well be the antidote to those nightmarish holiday family gatherings!

LICENSING

This holiday season, there are so many new animated DVDs to pick from, you really need a little pet robot to keep track of all the titles. Several of this years feature releasesDisney/Pixars Cars and Fox/Blue Skys Ice Age: The Meltdown, Nickelodeon/Paramounts Barnyard, Warner Bros. The Ant Bully, Warner Indies A Scanner Darkly and Sonys Monster Househit the stores one after another. Then, you have the classic TV shows bowing out for collectors: For example, Disney TV Animations original series The Gummi Bears (circa 1985) comes out on DVD for the first time. Other hot packages include the second volumes of the Warner Bros. Animaniacs and Pinky and The Brain series. Prime-time auds will welcome the release of The Simpsons: Season Nine and Family Guy: Season Four. In a complete class of its own is Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Golden Collection, Vol. 4 (see page 16) as are three glorious Walt Disney Treasures packs arriving in December: The Complete Pluto Vol. 2, More Silly Symphonies and Your Host Walt Disney. Oh, and did we mention the Mouse House has also prepared a new remastered version of its 1973 feature Robin Hood (dubbed the Most Wanted Edition)and a sequel to the 1981 feature, The Fox and the Hound? You can really blow your whole years salary on all these entertaining discs, so make sure your pet robot is keeping an eye on your wallet as well.
Raiders of the DVD Vaults

December 2006

ANIMATION MAGAZINE
www.animationmagazine.net

Digital Box of Delights

Ten New Trinkets
We know when it comes to software and tech tools, animators have a tendency to be early adaptors. But if your friends or family members arent working with a Toon Boom Storyboard program, then you may consider purchasing this hot little item this holiday season. With a price tag of $899, this easy-to-use software is ideal for anyone who likes working with a digital storyboard. It features a flexible layer-based panel display with mo-cap abilities, a complete set of drawing tools (including a pressure-sensitive brush tool for digital graphic tablet and pen), customizable caption fields to insert searchable textual content, advanced timeline and real-time animatic creation with dynamic camera moves. In addition, Toon Booms Storyboard has export capabilities including printing, image sequences and Harmony/Opus/ Solo, EDL SWF and QuickTime file formatting. To find out more, visit www.toonboom.com and see for yourself how this handy package can speed up the storyboarding process beyond belief.

Check out this list of Entertainment Earths (www.entertainmentearth.com) newly arrived toys for that special collector/geek in your life! Batman Two-Face 13-Inch Collector Figure (DC Direct, $69.99) Buffy/Angel Vampire Plush Puppet (Diamond, $49.99) Disney Magic Kingdom Game (Hasbro, $24.99) Looney Tunes Golden Collection Series 1 Case (Diamond, $109.99) Lord of the Rings Checkers, Tic Tac Toe in a Tin (Usaopoly, $14.99) Marvel Minimates Series 13 Case (Diamond, $104.99) Rat Fink Deluxe Figure & Skateboard Case (Jonzo, $179.99) Star Wars Cartoon-Style Coffee Mug Set (Encore, $29.99) Superman Returns Daily Planet Weta Statue (DC Direct, $374.99) The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Monopoly (Usaopoly, $35.99)

Electric Shock Therapy

What do you get for that spoiled rich kid (or Simpsons fan) who has everything? How about the new Funco Itchy and Scratchy Bobble Bank (priced around $24.99) which hasnt even been available until this month? This diabolical device has poor Scratchy positioned in an electric chair with Itchy, well, just itching to flip the lever. The 12-inch-tall bank also plays a nerve-wracking electrocution sound every time you add a coin to your savingsand of course, Itchy and Scratchys heads nod in approval. Why didnt they have banks like these when we were kids, darnit!
Those Magnificent Mutants
Our hat is off to frequent Animation Magazine contributor Michael Mallory who has spent a big chunk of his time researching and writing about Stan Lee and Jack Kirbys classic Marvel characters The X-Men. The result is a wonderful coffee table book that will be the envy of anyone who has even a passing interest in these fascinating mutant superheroes and heroines. Mallory, the man behind the equally essential Marvel: The Characters and Their Universe tome from a few years back, looks at the history and evolution of the X-Men and gives us valuable insights into the development and artistic inspirations of the group. Included in this handsome 300-page compendium are all kinds of facts, trivia and beautiful pictures of key covers, movie stills (director Bryan Singer is a contributor) and illustrations. Simply put, you cant really call yourself a real X-fan until you have this book in your library. X-Men: The Characters and Their Universe (published by Hugh Lauter Levin Assoc.) has a listed price of $75, but you can get it for much less on amazon.com or at a Barnes & Noble store near you! Its bound to erase the memory of this past summers underwhelming movie from your mind.
Its Christmas Eve and not a creature is stirring in the houseexcept you and your spanking new SpongeBob SquarePants Creature from the Krusty Krab game ($39.99). Designed by the folks at Blitz Games, this new THQ release (for GameCube, PS2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and, yes, Wii!) offers four types of play: flying, destruction, racing and walking all over nine imaginary worlds in the mind of our hero. If youre lucky enough to play on the Wii, you can use the controller like a real plane stick! Theres even a giantsized Plankton to get rid of in the destructive levels. We cant think of a better way to spend those sweet, restful hours surrounded by the comforts of home and Stephen Hillenburgs resilient, yellow, porous creature.

Back to Bikini Bottom!

Scent of a Prince

Bald and Beautiful

We didnt lump Avatar The Last Airbenders glorious six-disc collectors item with all the other DVD picks this month, because this Paramount release really stands out in a cluttered field. Nickelodeons anime-influenced series has been slowing building a faithful following in many countries, and although its worlds apart from the cablers other big hits (SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents), its clear to see why both kids and
For over five decades, Antoine de Saint-Exuprys charming fable Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) has won the hearts and minds of millions of fans all over the world. Not only has the book been translated to over 70 languages, it has spawned animated features and even a live-action musical retelling starring Gene Hackman. We noticed that this year, fans can even get their hands on Le Petit Prince colognes, citrusy eau de toilettes, soaps and lotions, china, t-shirts and unisex birthday sets (available both via amazon.com and at Fred Segals and other specialty boutiques around the country). So if youve ever wondered what a blonde-haired prince from a distant star smells like, all you have to do is buy this beautiful 3.4 oz. bottle of eau de toilette (priced at $18). And thats a steal considering how popular it will make you with the other aliens from his corner of the world.

A Claymated Calendar

Finding a calendar in a book store in November is as easy as finding a corrupt politician in office. Last time we checked, there were numerous colorful 12-month and 365-day calendars featuring anything from The Simpsons and Peanuts to Cars, Over the Hedge, Ice Age 2, Open Season and that old reliable, Gary Larsons The Far Side. The one that always makes us reach for our wallets is the delightful 12-month Wallace & Gromit 2007 Calendar ($12.95). Theres something about the shiny colors, the whimsical humor and the sheer appeal of Nick Parks characters that makes turning the pages an absolute joy. As much as we love the CG-animated rodents of Flushed Away, the photos in this 2007 calendar make us anticipate the next W&G adventure even more. We hope its soon, Mr. Park!
adults are drawn to its textured and deeply addictive universe. Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko, the show centers on a reluctant 12-year-old (Aang) who must face his destiny and master his latent powers to conquer the Firebenders, evil wizards who threaten the world. All 20 episodes of Book One: Water are included in this handsome DVD package which comes with a whole disc of extras. The official price is $64.99, but you can definitely pick it up for $45 on amazon.com and program your own eight-hour viewing marathon.

Alien Toy Invasion

An animated show about a brave 10-year-old who can unleash a variety of cool alien heroes via his intergalactic watch is a total natural for cool toy tie-ins. Thats why this holiday season, the young adventurous fan in your household may be pining for a wide selection of Ben 10-themed Bandai toys. We love the Metamorfigures lines ($19.99) which features awesome two-toys-in-one packages: The Greymatter Alien figure, for example, morphs into a pair of binoculars; the DNA Alien has a light-up head, glow-inthe-dark slime AND launches missiles with his arms. We also know a lot of young kids who are crazy about the actual Omnitrix watches and alien ships. Yes, the alien toy industry has come a long way since the days of Star Wars and E.T!

Paitoon Ratanasirintrawoot
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER / CONCEPTUAL DESIGNER Website: http://www.paitoon.com Email: paitoonratan@paitoon.com 1950 Windward Oaks Court, Kissimmee, FL 34746 USA EDUCATION Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio BFA in Industrial Design 1993 Outstanding Senior in Industrial Design Award EXPERIENCE January 1993 - October 2003 THE WALT DISNEY FEATURE ANIMATION Feature Animation: Film Credits The Lion King Pocahontas The Hunchback of Notre Dame Mulan Beauty and The Beast: Special Edition The Emperors New Groove Tarzan Lilo and Stitch Brother Bear Other Disney Projects Aladdin, The Sega Genesis Game Disneyland Paris Commercials-Fanta Soft Drink Commercials Hansel and Gretel The Florida Hospital Project
October 2003 present Founder and Design Director, Paitoon Ratan Design Inc. Notable clients:
Concept designer/ Show designer, Walt Disney Entertainment
Concept development, leisure and entertainment development, attraction design and planning, development of themed environments, exhibit design, show experience development, scenic design, prop design, set design, and art direction. Notable projects: Lead designer on The Rocket Tower Plaza, Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, and the new Magic, Memories, and You Cinderella Castle projection show, Magic Kingdom. Production designer/ Art director on multiple projects for events and conferences around the Walt Disney World resorts. Notable projects: Production designer/ Art director on 3 CG animated short films for 3 large-scale events (Transition Lens, Murphy USA, and Safelite).
Art Director, Concept designer, Disney Event Group
Industrial designer/ Product designer DC Comics
Worked with VP of design, Sr. Art director of product design on multiple DC universe characters. Notable products: Ame Comi Heroine Series (Huntress, Batgirl 2.0, Catwoman2.0), Batman action figures, T4 busts, True Blood busts, Brighter day's action figures. Villain vehicle design for Batman Rogue Rage Styleguilde.

Concept designer EA

Concept artist/ designer Worked with President, and VP of R&D on all aspects of product development for toys, wood toys, plush, dolls, lighting and stationery for the following properties: Disney, Sanrio, Mattel, Nickelodeon, Warner Brother, Sega, Marvel, and Hotrods product lines. Designed and developed new concepts into manufacturable products. Worked with Sr. Manager of product design and development on product design for high-end collectibles for Corgi USA, and for sister company Master Replicas. Notable products: Batmobile 'Through the years' Die-cast vehicles. Worked with Sr. Manager of product design and development on product design for high-end collectibles. Notable products: Halo 3 weapons/action figures, 007, Super Marios action figures. Worked with Sr. Manager of product design and development on products for Disney, Lucas films. Notable products: Concept designed the entire Disney's Wild Racers Star Wars line, Disney's Tigger, Captain Hook, Woody, Chip, Jimminy Cricket, Kermit the frog, Roger Rabbit, Sorcerer Mickey, Indiana Jones, Tron, Captain Blackbeard, and Mickey Mouse Transport truck. Worked with President, and VP of R&D on all aspects of product development for Disneys Mickey Mouse Clubhouse product development line. Worked with Sr. Manager of product design and development on products for Major League Baseball, The Clone Wars franchise. Worked with VP of Creative and product development on product style guides for Clifford the big red dog, and Dragon. Worked with CEO, and Sr. Manager of product design and development on Lighting and fan products for Disney, Pixar, and Harley Davidson. Concept development, Character design for unrealized projects. Worked with Sr. Manger of product design and development on multiple projects.
Industrial designer/ Product designer Toy Island-a division of Li&Fung Trading Company
Industrial designer/ Product designer Corgi USA
Industrial designer/ Product designer Master Replicas

Industrial designer/ Product designer Peachtree Playthings
Industrial designer/ Product designer Character Direct
Industrial designer/ Product designer Topps Entertainment
Industrial designer/ Product designer Scholastic Entertainment
Industrial designer/ Product designer KNG America
Concept designer/ Show designer Universal Creative Studios
Concept designer MZ Berger
Industrial designer/ Product designer Hasbro Toys
Designed and conceptualized the first series of Disney's Wild Racers: Buzz Lightyear, Emperor Zurg, and Scar. Color stylist on Mushu, Cruella Devil, Mad Hatter, 101 Dalmatians, Malificent.
Concept designer/ Designer Hyper Design
Worked with Creative director on multiple projects. Notable projects: Yamaha, The Golden Compass style guides. Concept development, show experience concepts, scenic design, prop design, and storyboarding. Notable projects: Disney's Share a dream come true parade float design, NASA attractions. Concept development, show experience concepts, scenic design, prop design, and set design. Notable projects: Phuket Fanta SEA, Discovery World, Safari World.
Concept designer/ Show designer Falcons Tree house
Concept designer/ Storyboard artist Renaissance Entertainment

o Other Clients

Spin Master, Dynamic design Works, Cookie Jar Entertainment, Curve Studios, Grey Advertising (Thailand), Newline Cinema, ShoPro Entertainment, Target, Enigma Studios, Nichoson Design & Architects, Paul F. Hopper and Associates, Paper 2 Pixels, Phuket Fanta Sea, and Precious in His Sight. AWARDS The Outstanding Senior in Industrial Design Award, Columbus College of Art and Design. POPOI Award, POPOI Point of Purchase Design contest, Chicago, IL. Walt Disney Feature Animation Internship, Walt Disney Company, Orlando, Florida. 3 Industrial Design Scholarships, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio. President of Arts and Crafts Activity Club Award, Triam Udom Suksa Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand.

FEATURES Newspaper & Magazine Articles: Art 4D Magazine PooYing Magazine Kids Voice Magazine Triam Udom Suksa Yearbook Star Picks Magazine Siam Post Newspaper People Magazine (Thailand) Vimarn Magazine Sakul Thai Magazine
GUEST SPEAKER Keynote presenter for 1000 attendants at 2011 Hewlett Packards MVPs Celebration, Disneys Yacht and Beach Club convention center. Keynote presenter at 2010 Disney Reservation Center, DRC head quarter in Orlando. Keynote presenter at 2010 Disney Reservation Center, DRC head quarter in Tampa. Keynote presenter at 2009 Disneys Earmarked Conference, Disneys Yacht and Beach Club convention center. 2003 Guest lecturer on design and animation at The Columbus College of Art and Design. 2002 Guest lecturer on Industrial Design at The Columbus College of Art and Design. 2001 Guest lecturer on design and animation at The Columbus College of Art and Design. 2001Lecture to Industrial Design Department, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. 1997 Design career lecturer to high-school students, Trial Udom, Bangkok, Thailand. 1997 Lecture to high-school students, Mate Dei school, Bangkok, Thailand. 1995 Lecture to high-school students, Trial Udom Suksa, Bangkok, Thailand.

Volunteer Service

2005-2007 Volunteered as a Digital Photographer at Give Kids the World Village.
References: Paitoon is probably one of the best designers in the world today. To work with him is an endless source of inspiration. The great quality and the marvelous creativity of his Artwork push always higher the standards of our industry. June 7, 2006 Man Arenas, Director, NINONENO Dodecaden Paitoon is unequivocally the most cheerful and humble man to ever grace the halls of Walt Disney Feature Animation. I had the pleasure of working with him on many features and was always impressed with his professionalism and sheer dedication to the craft of animation.but more critically, he never allowed the pressures of the production environment to dampen his spirit or mitigate his humanity. Always ready with a smile and a kind word, Paitoon was easily the most popular artist in the effects department. Looking back over the years, I now appreciate all the more the depth of his sincerity and positive energy. !Animation notwithstanding, Paitoon has made his reputation as a solid commercial designer over the years, competent at literally every aspect of the craft, from character development and storyboards to environment and asset design. Paitoon's sketchbooks resemble print-ready schematics, demonstrating his thorough research process; it is no wonder, then, that his final work is so fully realized. It was an honor and pleasure working with Paitoon for more than a decade.he has the capacity to bring true joy to a team project with his infectious laugh and piquant observations. Simply put, he is a well-rounded artist and a wonderful human being! October 6, 2010 Jazno Francoeur, Animator, Walt Disney Feature Animation. I have never worked with a more talented, skilled and artistic individual. !A pleasure to work with, ideate with, and design with. A true partner in every successful product we developed together. Humble in his extreme and vast talents, Paitoon is an easy going designer that will do whatever it takes to get the job done just right. I cannot wait to work with him again!! !A wonderful colleague and a wonderful friend. April 23, 2008 Tracy Pearson, Product Design and Development, Corgi International. Paitoon is in an artistic league of his own and has always been at the top of his game. As both an artist and businessman Paitoon has mastered the highest standards of creativity and professionalism. He has always been and still is an inspiration to his fellow artists and friends. And for over 17 years Paitoon has inspired me with his creativity, work ethic, business sense and continued energy to strengthen his craft. Paitoon is the embodiment of a true professional and friend. March 25, 2010 Joseph C. Pepe, Creature designer, James Camerons Avatar. Paitoon is a remarkable young man and fine designer. His eye for line, for conformation and his expert analysis of form and feel is quite exhilarating. Not only does he have a firm grasp of character delineation but his design style is fresh while at the same time capturing recognizable, submerged themes that trigger recognition and appreciation in the viewer. I have known and admired Paitoon's skill for many years and confirm that he has enormous, continued promise as a highly visible professional in the creative environment. I wish him every success and look forward to many more years off enjoyment while feasting on his continuous production of startling invention. July 6, 2003 SYD MEAD Visual Futurist