House of Cool

Lill' Red and Gainer at it again!!

2012-01-16T14:21:00.001-05:00

Here is the new SaskTel videos done by our brother from another mother Redrover! Great works team!
They also added an outtake video to show you not everyone or every fish is perfect :P Enjoy!

Red Rover Reel 2012

2012-01-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Here is the good works of Scotty! The 2012 Red Rover Reel!

Carlos Saldanha from Bluesky coming to down

2012-01-12T18:55:00.003-05:00

We are pleased to have Carlos come to Toronto to talk about some of the film's he's directed including his newest release RIO. Come check it out!

January 23rd @ the Tiff Bell Light Box, 350 King St W
Event starts at 11:30

Hey Everyone,

The Holidays Are Here!!!

2011-12-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

With only about a week left to go before the Bg Man in red comes, what do you have left to do? The HoC team has the tree up and are anxiously awaiting that wonderful day! We will be closed Dec 26th to Jan 2nd , and we wish everyone a safe and merry holidays!

Happy Holiday from House of Cool

2011-12-09T11:47:00.006-05:00

Around this time of year, when we send out a new Holiday card, Ricardo and I always look back at Christmas cards from past and can't help but be thankful for what House of Cool has brought us. With so many great individuals we have worked with, the creatives each artists strive for and the "always be better" attitude all of us instill, we appreciate every artists and staff that come through the studio's door.

In thanking for the past, we always catch each other dreaming BIG about the future. There is so much talent in this city and our province. We see so much opportunity and advantages. With our team, we'll strive to always pursue those big dreams and create the best work the industry will be proud of.

Happy Holidays to our industry and our amazing clients.

Ricardo and Wes

Wes on the radio!

2011-11-30T12:33:00.000-05:00

Here's an episode of CBC Metro Morning with Matt Galloway talking to our very own Wes Lui on the Animation Industry!

Way to go Wes!!

http://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/episodes/2011/11/15/animation-industry/

Holiday Party Don't Miss Out!

2011-11-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

Several Studio Owners in VFX and Animation are throwing an Industry Holiday Party @ Maison on Dec 14th. We thought it would be cool to get the industry together and share some drinks, hit the dance floor and enjoy a good night out for the Holidays.

Tix are $25 and comes with 3 drink tickets - Just reserve your tix at www.vaip.ca (VFX Animation Industry Party - easiest url we could find) and they'll make arrangements for you to pick up tix.

Come and Celebrate!!!!

The City View

2011-11-11T16:20:00.000-05:00

Here is the marvellous City view from the front of the House, the "ye ol" WELD BUILDING sits infront of us, the weather screams winter and the clouds are ready to shed some snow!!!

Movember, #DWPC!

2011-11-04T15:23:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Jay, The House of Cool Team is officially signed up for Movember! All the dudes will grow their stashes and all the ladies will continue to shave their legs and armpits.

If you would like to support us you can donate to our team through this link:

http://www.movember.com/m/2201574

You can even go old school and write a cheque payable to “Movember Canada”, reference "Wes Lui" and Registration Number 2201574 and send it to: Movember Canada, 119 Spadina Avenue, PO Box 65, Toronto, ON M5T 2T2

All donations are tax deductible.

At the end of the month, the crew will vote on who's stash looks the best - I can already tell you, the chinese guy will finish in last place.

Here are a few pictures of what the boyz have growing on.

Down with Prostate Cancer. Start Trending #DWPC!

Ghost Hunting "i ain't afraid of no ghosts!"

2011-10-31T17:10:00.000-04:00

We came across this website today and figured it was fitting post. But beware, you are hunting ghosts at your own risk!!!!!

Happy Halloween!

http://www.torontoghosts.org/

Gearing up for Halloween

2011-10-28T13:20:00.000-04:00

The scary night of ghouls and ghosts is fast approaching. What better way to ward them off then eating lots of candy............ right??

Helmet Time!

2011-10-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for Hockey season or Just being a Goof ................? You can decide!

TAAFI Industry Night: November 10th @ Vogue Supperclub

2011-10-18T17:44:00.001-04:00

2011-10-18T13:27:00.002-04:00

CASO Members receive a special discount on X-Summit tickets. For the full schedule and to register, visit: www.x-summit.com

Use Discount Code: XS20CASO
Recieve 20 percent off member and regular rates. (A huge value on member rates!) This will be in effect until Friday Oct 14.

X-Summit, co-produced by CASO and Interactive Ontario (IO), will kick off the evening of October 24 and take place October 25-26 at The Carlu in Toronto. X-Summit explores emerging opportunities where broadcast and interactive platforms converge. CASO and IO Members receive a special discount, and can receive the Early Bird rate until Friday Sept 30th. For the full schedule and to register, visit: www.x-summit.com

Featured Speakers:

Jonas Eneroth, Managing Partner, ProCloud Media which has launched Paramount Pictures' War of the Worlds and Star Trek. Executive Producer of Eidos' multi-award winning Deus Ex, Hitman and Timesplitters franchises.

John Kavanagh, SVP of Video Games, Paramount Pictures, designed, developed and licensed interactive games and technology to leading gaming companies including Sega, Nintendo, Atari, Apple, Commodore

Vince Gerardis, Co-Executive Producer, HBO's hit series Game of Thrones

Nathan Mayfield, CCO of Hoodlum, producers of award-winning transmedia campaigns for ABC's FlashForward and Lost, Pascal Langlois, Ethan Mars in the award-winning Heavy Rain & founder of Motives in Movement

Featured Sessions:

Cross-Media Synergy
When developing IP that has TV as a key foundation, is it best to develop the TV series first or the cross-platform plans/world building first? This session delves into whether a synergy exists in producing a TV show and an online plan at the same time.
Featuring: Ken Faier, El Presidente, Nerd Corps. Entertainment

Character Crossing: Developing Multi-Platform Characters
Drawing on examples from TV, animation, video games, and toys, this workshop will dive into key elements that will help a property and its characters move successfully between platforms.
Featuring: Leah Hoyer, Creative Producer, Levity Entertainment Group

The Green Light Series: Investor Round Table
This session will cover the fundamentals of cross-media monetization strategies. Martin Soltys works with entrepreneurs, producers, writers, directors and designers (of video game, mobile & web applications) to create and develop transmedia storytelling methodology and techniques, with the goal of delivering enhanced entertainment experiences for audiences, viewers, users and players of all ages and cultures.
Featuring: Martin Soltys, Founder and CEO, TransMedia Entertainment Corp.

Its a Showdown!

2011-10-14T16:23:00.002-04:00

What's the outcome of your showdown in the office?

Next week we'll show you the aftermath!

The age old debate around the water cooler, "Tim Horton's or Starbucks?" Now a days you can find numerous amounts of different "shi-shi" coffee shops with their fresh coffee beans and "hipster" milks. But the 2 biggest companies are still Timmy's and Starbucks.

Next week we'll show you the aftermath!

Oscar the Dog shows us how much he needs his Starbucks! It's hard being the boss.

Meet "Oscar the Dog" House of Cool's new CEO!

2011-10-07T15:19:00.001-04:00

We think it's suiting and we're happy to have him on board! He drove a hard bargin and its gonna cost us but Oscar the Dog is now the new CEO of House of Cool Studios, not sure how Wes is taking this?

Here's his new 2 business headshots!

As the new CEO of HoC he would like to wish everyone lots of Turkey and a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

Steve Jobs has vastly influenced the world of technology, and given us tools we have only dreamed of. Below is an excerpt from his Stanford Commencement Speech in 2005. Something that was stumbled upon, and incredibly moving.

‎"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Steve Jobs

R.I.P Steve Jobs. Thank you for everything you have created for us.

Please follow the link for the full text and video of his Speech at Stanford in 2005.

"Hang Loose" - Sasktel

2011-09-30T17:31:00.002-04:00

Check out Gainer and Red hang loose on the surfboard. Redrover Studio's latest spot for Sasktel. Clients: Caffeine Commercials Production Director: Greg Court

::: THE LEBRONS :::

2011-08-12T10:29:00.003-04:00

:::Shout Out To Ido for posting up The Lebrons Episodes and Commercial Spots via Vimeo:::

...For all the viewers who are restricted to view it on Lebron James' Youtube channel can check em out here :)...

THE LEBRONS

GOOD TO BE THE KING (s01 ep1.1) from mr-ido on Vimeo.

COMMERCIAL SPOTS

Contraption (15 second spot) from mr-ido on Vimeo.

:::Click on the link below the video to be taken to the rest of the episodes and commercials:::

Just Say Yes - Charity Event, July 28th @ REVIVAL

2011-07-20T06:39:00.000-04:00

Just Say Yes!

Hey Everyone,

Morgan Toomb's ginormous heart is doing a charity event to raise awareness for women living in the Ngong Hills slums (Kenya, Africa) who have HIV/AIDS. In the spirit of empowerment, genius Morgan and her posse (which includes the Lovely Lida) has come up with a cool scavenger hunt that's about unlocking your own personal liberations... it's called, "Just Say Yes." It's simple, you have people pledge something you want to unlock in your life and as you break barriers and reach achievements... you also raise money for the charity. It's like running 5km for Cancer - only it doesn't have to be about physical endurance but it can be about the emotional... Your Yes may be to break poor habits or tell your boss you want a raise (No one's getting a raise at HoC)... it's about doing something you always wanted to do but left on the back burner... Time to turn on the lights.

"Just Say Yes" let's people know what you've always wanted but to scared or busy to do... and they help you achieve it though awareness and your commitment. Download and print your free Just Say Yes BIB and sponsorship kit from www.justsayyesto.org (or pick a pledge package up from your friendly event organizers)
1) OR Donate to the cause! Can’t come to the event but want to get involved?

Donate online at http://justsayyesto.org/donate/

Or, mail a cheque to: Just Say YES! 280 Grace Street, Suite #1, Toronto, ON, M6G 3A6

2) OR Donate goods or services for our silent auction!

Contact Morgan @ joyfulmorgan@gmail.com

AND If anything else... DJ Jerms is spinning at the latter half... So whether you can donate or come out to support, we can all get together and have a good night out.

Thanks and PLEASE PASS ALONG!

Congrats to Wheels and Aikta

2011-07-04T15:16:00.005-04:00

One of our very own got married a few weeks back. And while he's not at House of Cool or Red Rover now, we can still feel his devoted work effort he puts in day in and day out. Matty Whelan always puts 100% in everything he works on so it was no surprise when we saw this video made for his wedding.

We are all so happy for you and your beautiful wife, Aikta.

Congrats, hope you get to enjoy your honeymoon with no work interruptions.

Everyone at HoC.

PS - Luv those speeches and the bollywood dance pack!

The Anthology Project 2

2011-05-10T17:23:00.004-04:00

Check this book out, some inspiring work from very talented artists from around the globe, including HoC's Jeff Thompson! keep up the spark

http://theanthologyproject.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8

Awake & Aware

2011-05-04T11:27:00.005-04:00

...feel the dragon's breath, and in the great silence, the crystal palace within...

:::...FOOLSBALL...:::

2011-04-13T14:41:00.005-04:00

...On the rare occassion that we should happen to catch a break in-between the studios hectic schedule.. We like to unwind with a game of Foosball...Here are some pictures from a match not too long ago...

Sometimes you just get ribbed

2011-04-01T15:37:00.004-04:00

Contrary to popular belief, it's good to get ribbed once in a while... and who better then George Stroumboulopoulos (Strombo Show). Thought this was pretty rad. The Lebrons show HoC is working on got some good ol' Canadian National attention. The crew from House of Cool and Dru Dog are working hard to make one sweet show - cool suites and all.

Threadless Design

2011-03-25T13:17:00.006-04:00

I have put my first submission to Threadless up today and would love you all to check it out and vote. It's a take on my long and boring commute to work everyday. All you commuters out there will understand. Why haven't they invented teleporting yet?

Here's the link...

http://www.threadless.com/submission/331346/Daily_Commute

Shawn

CONGRATS STARZ on GNOMEO AND JULIET

2011-03-01T16:43:00.002-05:00

If you haven't heard the news, Gnomeo and Julliet is killing it at the box office! We wanted to congratulate the cool crew at Starz. Doing a feature is never easy to execute and Starz lit it up. Go check it out everyone if you haven't already.

Ricardo Story-boarded and Greg Court, Director at Red Rover, animated on the film! HoC loves working on features!

Animated Web Series - The LeBrons

2011-02-22T10:37:00.005-05:00

"The LeBrons" All-Star Cast to Include Niecy Nash, Appearance by Drake, Music by Ali Dee, Top Talent from Across Animation Business
"The LeBrons" All-Star Cast To Include Niecy Nash, Appearance By Drake, Music By Ali Dee, Top Talent From Across Animation Business. New, animated Web series from LeBron James is creative collaboration from LeBron James, his company Spring Hill Productions and Believe Entertainment Group, with production produced by Dru Dog Productions and story and design from House of Cool.
Read more, check out:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/02/prweb5087324.htm

Electric Playground

2011-02-12T10:07:00.001-05:00

A few months back, the amazing Electric Playground people did an interview on our studio and the Co-Co Feature we are producing. As an added benefit, they let me do a spot on one of my favourite movies of last year. Check it out: I'm definitely not host material and they definitely made it look good. Special Thanks to Darcy!

Check this out!

2011-01-26T23:17:00.004-05:00

Greg Court, Red Rover Director, and Christina Helmer, producer, did this most recent spot. Special thanks to Jason, Pepe, Steve, Britton and Brad for working on this mock spot. We love trying new techniques and seeing how far we can take them.

To see the HD version, click youtube

The LeBrons

2011-01-18T16:47:00.005-05:00

Hey Folks,

News is out... There's a cool new show coming out over the net called The Lebrons and you guessed it, House of Cool is on it. We're excited to be working with the creative team from Dru Dog Entertainment on the designs and full production on the commercial spots you'll see before each episode.

Thanks too all the crew and the team at Dru Dog - Show's going to look sick!

Merry Christmas H.O.C

2010-12-25T11:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-13T15:09:00.004-05:00

From all of us at House of Cool, we wish a Happy Festive Holidays.

:::...TEA TIME...:::

2010-12-03T17:57:00.003-05:00

::: Reminiscing :::

2010-11-25T15:07:00.003-05:00

Before he owned Studios, Ricardo was just a regular dude just like everyone else. It's good to know even til this day, he rocks the afro.

Love the ride!

CASO - Computer Animation Studios of Ontario

2010-11-23T21:29:00.001-05:00

For the past two years I've had the pleasure of sitting on the Board of CASO to represent our Industry and be apart of the community at large. The Board consists of all studio owners and executives alike with over 250 artists to smaller twenty person shops. It's never easy making money through artistic creativity nor is it easy balancing the need to express creative output with a strained budget. Listening to studios find new ways to reach higher levels of quality while keeping costs low is an all too familiar regime. Studio owners want the best for their artists and their clients. As the manner in which people digest content through a whole host of platforms, studio owners are constantly changing they way they do business. It is the speed of change that I feel CASO is most important. It's developing a community where owners and executives can share ideas and reach out to more people, clients and their employees. Ontario has the best in software development, world-class education system and seasoned professionals in all aspects in VFX and Animation. With the support of the Ontario Government, Sponsors and our members, I'm excited to act as President of CASO for the upcoming year and create strategic initiatives with the new Board of Directors.

There's much to do and I know all of us are up for the challenge.

Wes Lui

Funky Art

2010-11-21T21:13:00.003-05:00

I had alot of fun coming up with this concept for a album cover.

CONGRATS to MGM Communications

2010-11-01T09:41:00.004-04:00

House of Cool Inc. and Red Rover Studio gives a BIG congrats to MGM Communications for winning six awards at the Saskatchewan Awards for Communication Excellence (The Ace's). We were elated to know that 2 of those awards Red Rover Studio had the pleasure of working on.

Award of Excellence - Creative Communications: "Once Upon a Dream"
Award of Merit - Creative Communications: "The Ride"

The team at MGM Communications always push to new heights in creatives and we always look forward to working with them. Special thanks to Britton Plewes and Cal Brunker who directed each commercial spot.

"Once Upon a Dream

"The Ride"

2010-10-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

:::...BEAR-NECESSITIES

2010-10-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

:::...HAPPY.FRIDAY...:::

...:::Keep.It.Growing:::...

Congrats Martin!!!

2010-09-20T11:26:00.003-04:00

We are very excited for Martin Sokol on his student short screened at this year's TIFF! check it out, worth every second of viewing

http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2010/eggcellent#filmnote

Despicable Me - CONGRATS

2010-07-12T15:09:00.004-04:00

Hey Folks,

If you haven't seen Despicable Me yet... GO! We had the most amazing opportunity to work early on the development and story side of this feature. With talents such as Robin Joseph and Cal Brunker doing design and story to Ben Plouffe crafting some amazing colour palettes and layouts; we wanted to send congrats to everyone involved in Despicable Me, especially Chris Renaud (Director) and producers, Chris Meledandri & John Cohen, for giving us the chance to work on this project.
There is nothing more gratify to see artists and friends who have worked so hard on a project receive the audience attention it deserves... Doubly gratifying when its a feature House of Cool was apart of too.

Go watch the film everyone, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as we did.

Hugs PSA, Congrats to Cal Brunker for Young Directors Nomination

2010-06-22T12:30:00.003-04:00

Here is a PSA that Red Rover produced for DDB's client Reachout.com. It definitely tugs at the heart and I know our guys had a great time working on this project.
Congrats to Cal for being nominated for Best Young Director Awards by CFP-E/Shots at the Advertising Conference in Cannes, France.

Latest Spots from Red Rover Studio

2010-06-22T11:42:00.004-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Here is the latest spots that Red Rover Studio has produced. As many already know House of Cool acquired Red Rover Studio in the summer of 2008. Its hard to imagine its been 2 years and we've been able to work on some amazing projects with highly creative Ad Agencies. We like to thank MGM Communication and JWT for giving us the opportunity to work on the Little Red Campaign's and the Club House spot.

Hope you enjoy our latest spots.

Jonah Hex

2010-06-21T16:10:00.003-04:00

House of Cool got to work on this project early on designs and storyboards. Director Jimmy Hayward and long time friend of Ricardo's has done an incredible job moving from writing and directing animated feature films to the different set of challenges in live action. Can't wait to see what he does next.
This film was great to work on and we look forward to working with Jimmy in the near future.

GO WATCH JONAH HEX!

...:::My.4th.Year.Film:::...

2010-05-12T08:45:00.000-04:00

...I just thought I'd share...

Mr. Crum - Final Realisation from Andre Barnwell on Vimeo.

Ego

2010-04-04T17:34:00.000-04:00

The image is dissolving, who is one without it?

"It's no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." J. Krishnamurti

:::...BIZZ-EEAAAAAR...:::

2010-03-31T14:15:00.000-04:00

Albanian Grandma

2010-03-11T20:37:00.001-05:00

:::...SHAREZEEEEEEZS...:::

2010-03-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

Caso presents a Visionary Luncheon with Pixar's Mike V and Ricardo

2010-03-02T15:07:00.002-05:00

Conversationalist

2010-02-09T23:40:00.004-05:00

Hey all. HoC has created it's first iPhone app. It stupid and almost completely useless but it's free so download it!

This app is a test for bigger and better things that are coming in the future from HoC. Hold tight, this is going to be a big year for us.

:::...BEET...:::

2010-01-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

:::...BEET...:::

Ninjamaica - Teletoon

2009-11-17T11:10:00.005-05:00

Hey Folks,

A while back we had an opportunity to work on a real cool pilot for Lenz Entertainment titled Ninjamaica. Cal Brunker directed the Teletoon Detour pilot piece and we had an amazing crew of artists and production staff that pushed the limits of this animated pilot. It recently showed at OIAF and the crew here had a blast working on it. We wanted to thank all the artists for their tireless contribution and the one-man-band line producer, Bob... you're a machine.
We also wanted to thank the people at Lenz Entertainment and Teletoon for giving us this opportunity.
It's a free down load off of iTunes. Just click here to get it

MEOOOW

2009-10-24T08:29:00.000-04:00

Re-intervention

2009-09-18T13:14:00.005-04:00

The entertainment industry in Canada is constantly changing. Much like the stock markets, Studios like ours always try to find the next best idea. Our team is continually adapting to change, figuring out opportunities in creativity and business given these challenging economic times. Our artists, IT guru, office cheerleaders, and management give our company soul. We laugh together, we work late nights, we support and pick each other up when one of us are having a bad day. Every day is not going to be easy, but working with people who care about our company and our work will make all the difference.

Thanks Everyone,

Wes

Check out some of our latest work. Our main homie, Cal, has headed up some cool commercials and open our capabilities to live action and animation.

2009-09-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

Some rough development sketches before getting down to work.

Friday Face

2009-09-05T10:29:00.001-04:00

Mike's New Blog

2009-07-05T22:11:00.002-04:00

Greetings friends,

I've started a new blog of artwork and such things. Please check it out at http://mikemacadam.blogspot.com.

2009-05-29T21:12:00.002-04:00

BIG SHOUT OUT TO HOC FOR NOT STRESSING A YOUNG DUDE WHILE HE USED THE STUDIO (after work) TO PRESEMBLE THIS PIECE

SMOKE THIS EPISODE 1 - Animated Skit from Andre Barnwell on Vimeo.

Plus a special thanks to Norm for helping me with weak boards to look not so weak.
LONG LIVE THE HOUSE

Volcano, in CHile

2009-05-11T11:27:00.004-04:00

So this is just a water color painting I did up for my beloved Grandfather who just turned 8O (05/12/09). It's of a volcano in the Northern Part of Chile. Thought i would share it. :)

...

2009-04-16T13:45:00.001-04:00

My Big Sis

2009-02-09T03:08:00.003-05:00

A little something I did for my big sister the personal stylist. The bottom is the original. She asked me to add more 'glam', which resulting in the top image.

Tryn' New Thangs

2009-01-24T13:02:00.002-05:00

W.I.P...

...and no. Its not a dope spot.

Horton

2009-01-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Back in 2005, when i joined Hoc, i got a chance to work on Horton hears A Who. The following are a few of the early character designs i worked on for the film.

Sinnerman

2009-01-10T11:10:00.002-05:00

Panda beats Robot

2009-01-05T17:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T00:12:00.003-05:00

Synopsis 2008

Layoffs
Big Project 1
Big Project 2
Hires
The Grind
Acquire Red Rover
Feature Short
Grinding Even Harder
Layoffs
Restructure

Cooler than Ever!

Happy holidays to everyone at the studio who have shown what it is to be House of Cool material. Seasons greetings to all our clients and supporters. May 2009 be as big for you as it will be for House of Cool.

Christmas Come Early!

2008-12-22T23:22:00.003-05:00

I had to share this cool Gears of War action figurine. ISO sucks on my camera but this is the best I could get at the moment.

Hope you all end up get what you wanted for Christmas.

BADADDAN SNOW!

2008-12-20T21:46:00.003-05:00

*I AM DRE, DI SNOW CONQUERAH!*

2008-12-09T20:42:00.001-05:00

Discovering the Giant

2008-12-03T14:35:00.000-05:00

Just messing around....

Ms Thang

2008-12-01T21:16:00.003-05:00

She's still a wok in progress but what I've learned is to make a design as appealing as possible even if its only on the screen for a few. She's the eye "leading" lady in s short I'm working on.

what can I say? I'm a sucker for punishment.

Kraven the Hunter

2008-11-28T12:19:00.001-05:00

The Spirit of an Artist

2008-11-17T23:31:00.002-05:00

From Spaghetti West by Shawn Colbeck and HoC crew.

Now that I have have seen the up close and personal worlds of being an artists and a studio owner in animation, I believe that I have a perspective that most do not. I have felt the wonders and passions unique to being in animation. I’ve felt the joy of learning how to draw a character that actually feels like it is looking back at me. I’ve experienced the self indulgent but secretive pleasure of animating a character in a way that I was sure that no one else could replicate.

When I started my company I thought that getting my ideas out was the only goal. I knew that the field of animation was limited by short sighted executives and a complacent audience. These ideas are still true to me today but I have discovered things that are even more fulfilling to me. I have had the enjoyment of watching a number of young artists plucked from school grow from unfocused artistic toddlers to intelligent graphic statesmen. I’ve seen raw artistic ambition, seasoned and concentrated into tangible creative reality. These are things I had not set out to do at House of Cool but the gratification I get from it is more pleasurable to me than I could have anticipated.

This is the reason why it is particularly painful for me to deal with the hire/fire cycles of the industry. It is supremely difficult to maintain a strong, cohesive talent pool and do great art at the same time. There are forces in the industry who’s goals have nothing to do with creating quality entertainment or making people happy. The realities of business force me to let go of people that I know are only partially developed and are primed to explode with talent if only they are allowed to stay under HoC’s roof.

But why would I subject myself to the ups and downs of this less than perfect industry? I see the spark of creativity that only true artists have. I see the late nights and long hours that artists will endure for the faintest hope of artistic satisfaction at the end. I’ve seen artists scoff in the face of logic in order to find expression. All these things are self destructive traits but I too have them..and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

A friend once said to me after I had used my skill to do something unsavory, “Why don’t you use you powers for good?”. I had assumed that he was referring to my artistic abilities but I see now that my “power” are best used creating an environment that will help others find their artistic selves.

2008-11-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

I miss the Coolhouse, hope your all well.

2008-11-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

...evil jetpackin' henchman

2008-10-29T23:58:00.001-04:00

NEVER TRY FI DIS THE MAN WIT DI HANDLE...

2008-10-25T00:50:00.009-04:00

Green Ball: Yo, Yellowmon! Wagwan over deh. Mi cyaan see wh'appen.

Yellow Ball: Uno see it?
Ah yo, Blackey!
Tell ya madda... uno finally fin' out... who a di daddy.HAHA!

Brown/Maroon Ball: Blackey! Tell I fi tek back 'im chat.

Yellow Ball: 'Im Cyaan Mr. Brown! DI GAME DONE.

-Mitch "Your Daddy" Rose is a beast with the cue stick. Who wants next?-

Hmmmmm.

2008-10-24T14:21:00.001-04:00

Girlie stuff

2008-10-14T18:03:00.001-04:00

Designs for my big sister, the fashion consultant.

Street Fighter Tribute

2008-10-09T17:14:00.000-04:00

Page 300

from a galaxy far far away

2008-09-25T18:39:00.004-04:00

no bbq for this old sith, he had class...

I had to do a take on one of those cool sith dudes after playing way to much force unleashed (amazing, with a super creepy sith ending)

bowling anyone?

The Sith

2008-09-24T12:36:00.004-04:00

"Always two there are, no more, no less"
-Jedi Master Yoda

Check out the coloured version on my blog
Feel free to name them.

Rosemary

2008-09-17T14:54:00.002-04:00

Mia Farrow is really good at looking stressed out.

2008-09-12T16:51:00.002-04:00

...even though its only been day ...

doodle

2008-09-12T11:34:00.003-04:00

2008-09-11T16:47:00.001-04:00

These are drawings of my homies.

hoc

2008-09-08T21:25:00.005-04:00

celebrating my 3rd month at HoC! wewt.

Explosive!

2008-08-30T02:30:00.000-04:00

Edible friends

2008-08-25T00:47:00.003-04:00

You might recognize these two characters. Cakerific never fails to impress. Thank you to Claudia Robinson for these wonderfully decorated cakes and to Andrew Shek for the original designs.

Portrait in PS

2008-08-21T10:12:00.005-04:00

So I dug up this old picture from the attic..

Something I did for Ric a couple weeks ago.

Teletoon Scholarship finalists heart HOC

2008-08-18T11:05:00.003-04:00

Hello fellow bloggers and blogettes, exciting news has occurred for a couple of HOC tenants! Vadim Bazhanov, Matt Kalinauskas and Melissa Maduro (me) have all had our independent students films accepted for the Teletoon Animation Scholarship under the Most Promising Student category. So, having said that, please be sure to hope over to the Teletoon website here and check out "Fresh Eggs", "Two by Two" and "A Romance In Graphite" in the Finalists tab under the Most Promising Student category. Don't forget to vote for your favorite when you're done. Congratulations and good luck to all of the finalists!
If you wanna learn more about the film makers you can check out Vadim, Matt and Mel's blogs.

CAN'T STOP THE COLE TRAIN! CHOOCHOO!

2008-08-16T22:01:00.005-04:00

*And this is how G.O.W. games really are...Campers get Chainsawed*

"I'M SO HOT!"(Cole 'Train')

*for the record*

I want to add that I have respect for my housemates at House of Cool and that this was drawn in

"my-video-game-is-better-than-your-video-game" good wholesome fun. I would never a wish a-gut bursting-blood-spraying-agonizing death-by-a-lancer on even my worst enemy...... unless its in Gears of War.

MORK-ASS BUSTERS

2008-08-15T14:42:00.002-04:00

How C.O.D. games really are.

My Mom

2008-08-15T12:34:00.003-04:00

For all the nerds in the House.

2008-08-15T12:18:00.003-04:00

Idea by Shawn, drawing by Mel, ownage by Galactus.

Ninja Robot: The Final Boss

2008-08-14T20:29:00.003-04:00

That's it, this is the final win, don't even try, it's useless, this is a NINJA ROBOT Shek, you hear?

ENTER THE DRAGON!!

2008-08-14T20:25:00.004-04:00

Diplomacy is over....Dragon wins

Peace Talks

2008-08-14T19:47:00.001-04:00