Moved to Tumblr!

We are moving our blog to Tumblr! Come see the new format where we will be more focused on showing off the artwork that comes from our artists. Come see and share the talent.

http://houseofcoolinc.tumblr.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!

Today our very own Ricardo Curtis is one year older! He is currently out in Annecy "working hard" at the Annecy Film Festival in France. So because he'll be having to "work" on his birthday we decided to party for him!

Rainy Days

The past few days have just been gloomy, grey skies, and nothing but wet weather. We turned to an old favorite game in order to beat these wet weather blues!

A small visitor came out to join in the fun!

Structural Integrity

Supporting One Another

Whats better then having friends? Supporting them! 

Come check this out:  

All Dahl'd Up : Artwork from the Animation Industry, this time round it's Roald Dahl inspired.  It's taking place at the Gladstone Gallery from June 11-16th, with a reception on Thursday June 13th from 7-11pm.  Come out for a nite to support friends and colleagues and see what's sure to be some really great art.

Here's a bit more information for you:

https://www.facebook.com/events/157368521103513

Movie Day With The Fam

Last Friday the new Blue Sky film "Epic" came out to the big screen. The HoC team had the amazing opportunity to work with Blue Sky on some of the pre-production work for the movie. So naturally we wanted to take everyone out to see the end product! What a film, the kids thoroughly enjoyed it and were not talking about Ric, Wes, Joe, Mike, Myke, Raymod, Lubo, Andre, Mike, and Pepe. The other kids :p
"One Tree Many Leaves"

No Thats not the poster thats Jeff :P He would make a good sidekick to "Mub" though, career change Jeff?

Lubomir Deep into the commercials.

Wes is easily distracted, Ronin is not.

Andre being extremely excited about the movie!

Big Birthday Boy!

Someone turned 1 year older over the weekend so we thought we'd share some of the office festivities that happened. Nothing big just cake and champagne and lots of happy people! This is how we roll.....

Hungry Hungry Artists

This puts a whole new meaning to "Hungry Artist" lol. I think it was partly because the sun was out, we had a skip in our step and a song in our hearts! Nom Nom. Who doesn't like ice cream.

Small Post FMX Blog

With this business being a "Worldy" person definitely gives you new inspirations and creative ideas. Wes recently came back from visiting Stuttgart, Germany for FMX 2012 a conference on animation, effects, games and transmedia. Here are some pics and a short blurb on his experience overseas, don't be surprised if you start seeing schnitzels and beer postings!

" Check out pic's from FMX conference in Stuttgart, Germany.  DMIO, City of Toronto, OMDC and the Ontario International Marketing Centre spoke on the technical and artistic achievements and collaborations of the VFX and Animation Industry.  Thank you to all the organizers and show runners.  One of the best in the world!"

- Wesley Lui

Who said the animation business wasn't glamorous!

Cool Trailer!

We love everything cool, so here is something we stumbled upon! Enjoy!

https://vimeo.com/64386008

Poster Pieces

Ok so the last poster piece was too simple so I decided to make the game a bit harder. Heres another photo of part of our new decorations up in the studio. Who can guess this one? Good Luck, Happy Friday!

House Health Kick

So for the past few months the HoC family has been on a big health kick; gluten free, wheat free, push ups, chin ups..........fish tacos. You get the point! So I have stumbled upon some great food recipes for all those amazing things we love but that might not be the best for our bodies when trying to get in the best shape possible. It has nothing to do with animation, unless you consider animation to be delicious goodness, then I guess yeah it has everything to do with animation. Enjoy!

Raw Chocolate Truffles
w: http://barreworksto.tumblr.com/post/46516362252/raw-chocolate-truffels

Ingredients
10 – 15 Medjool Dates
1 Cup Walnut
¼ Cup Ground Flax Seeds
¼ Raw Cacao Powder (+ a little extra for rolling truffles)
Water as needed


MethodIn a food processor blend nuts and seeds until well chopped and mixed.
Add in dates and cacao and mix well.
If too dry, add a little water as needed to create a mixture that sticks together.
If too sticky, add more walnuts.
Using palms, roll mixture into 1” balls.
Roll truffles in cacao powder until covered.
Place in freezer until ready to serve.



Flourless Pancakes
w: http://www.edibleharmony.com/2-ingredient-flour-less-pancakes/

Ingredients:1 medium ripe banana
2 eggs


Preparation:

• Using a blender or a bowl and a fork mash and combine the ingredients together until a batter is formed and most of the banana lumps disappear.

• In a large skillet over medium heat pour the batter to make the pancakes, grease the pan with coconut oil or butter if necessary.

• When the pancakes are starting to set and bubble on the top, turn and cook them on the other side.

More working out

The guys decided that push ups weren't enough in their quest to get HUGE, so they decided to install this the other day. Oh boys and their chin up bars. Whats next a Bowflex?

Rare Creature Found at HoC

This rare creature was found the other day asleep at HoC. It's believed that the open body position with tilted head back is used to optimize the air ways to allow the creatures core temperature to stay cool. They are usually found in this state at desks, on the couches, and sometimes at the mall. It is not advised to wake one, as it becomes confused and disoriented if disrupted before it has fully recharged the body. Scientists have labeled this mysterious creature as the "Exhuasteduos Newis Fatherus". The meaning derives from the North American phrase "Who knew a kid could be so exhausting".

All jokes aside Wesley Lui really is the man of the house these days, between his newborn baby work and being the ping pong champ we believe he really does deserve a few minuets of peace.

A shout out to Colin Jack

The HoC family would like to give a good ol' shout out to our pal Colin Jack and his amazing book "Galaxy Zack", now on sale on Amazon! Congratulations Colin, your book is "out of this world" ........ haha sorry had to do that :)

For more information check out Colin's Blog, or to purchase Galaxy Zack go straight to amazon.ca!

Enjoy the journey!

Spotlight on Daniel Lafrance

We would like to take the time to acknowledge the great works created by some of our family members. This spotlight is on Daniel Lafrance who recently finished and launched a graphic novel called "War Brothers" with Author Sharon E.McKay.

" The searing story of a child soldier.

When fourteen-year-old Jacob is brutally abducted and forced to become a child soldier, he struggles to hold on to his sanity and the will to escape.

Daniel Lafrance’s striking artwork and the poignant, powerful text capture the very essence of life as a child soldier. Readers will never forget the experiences of this young boy struggling to survive, unsure who to trust, afraid of succumbing to madness, and above all, desperate to get to freedom. In the end, Jacob engineers a daring escape.

This graphic novel is based on the acclaimed novel of the same title, winner of a 2009 Arthur Ellis award. The author spent time in Uganda and based this story on real-life accounts of the horrors inflicted on child soldiers and their victims. This is a story of unthinkable violence, but also one of hope, courage, friendship, and family. " 

- www.annickpress.com

For more information check out his website http://danlafrance.com/comics/war-brothers/.

Congrats Daniel!!

"War Brothers captures the terror, poignancy, and hope of children forced to join a brutal rebel army. In the best tradition of graphic novel, this one brings an immediacy and power to a story that will sear itself into the mind of every reader."

http://site.annickpress.com/catalog/catalog.aspx?title=War%20Brothers

Push Up Regiment HoC

I think the video says it all but one thing is for sure ............ @$&! just got real!

The Pong Match!

So I haven't done a proper write up of the events that happened at SPIN last week. To tell you the truth I think the pictures spoke for themselves.

Ann played a great match beating out Nick, or Fan Heart-throb, but when it came down to playing Wes. But even with her 7 straight win streak she just couldn't shake the Asian pong master when it came down to the final hit. Wes then played Myke B, what a game of silent competition. You almost wanted to have Myke scream in glory but unfortunately that would never happen. Wes ended up taking his paddle to the end, when asked what helped him push himself to the final match he told us that with his newborn son there failure wasn't a lesson he wanted to teach his young Ping Pong prodigy.

Our other young Asian Pong Student almost missed the match arriving to it within mere seconds of his forfeit. Such a typical move with these young hot shot players. It gave Greg an uneasy felling, maybe that was the plan, but it didn't seem to work. Greg went on to play his games well and got let off easy when Lubomir bowed out graciously just hours before the game. Giving Greg an easier chance at making it to the end.

In the end and a few pints later the winners were crowned, and the new gladiators of Pong were born.

Push ups and more push ups!

The boyz have started a "push up" regiment. Now they have either just discovered girls or have realized that for most of the day they're sitting on their butts. The goal is to be able to do 100 push ups, from what I gather. We'll be keeping a play by play for all who want to see who can triumph in this goal. Jeff seems extremely enthusiastic about it, but then again he's been turning into a bit of a work out fiend.

"Bring it on!" - Jeffery Thompson

The Game to end all Games

Friday March 08 2013, let it be written that on this day 8 pong gladiators raised their paddles in a fight to the death ........... only one will survive.

Ok well its not that serious but if you knew how these guys were playing you'd think it was. Today at 4pm the HoC fam will be hitting up SPIN on King st for the final showdown, 8 finalists fighting for the top dog spot, who will prevail! Come by and cheer on your favourite player.

 Wes Lui Group A Finalist:

Yeah sure he's the boss in the office but can he hold down a game? With 6 wins and 1 loss in the round robins it sure seems like it. What will happen though under pressure? Hopefully his asian roots will kick in and his natural ping pong talent  will pull him through to the end.









 Ann Bodner Group A Finalist:

Don't let her pretty face fool you, under that smile is a mean streak of competitive nature. Sure she'll sit with you smile and chat, ask about your weekend and listen intently even give advice but in the end she's just sizing you up and finding your weakness. Ann has a 7 straight win for the round robins and I don't think she is looking to loose anytime soon.

Nick Group A Finalist:

With only 4 wins in the round robins we're not really sure what Nick's playing strategy is? Is he throwing the games? Making sure he just meets the standards to get into finals and then POW he'll getcha when you're not looking? Or does he just genuinely play for the love of the game? Either way we think Nick  is a Fan Fav, with that goofy grin and sense of humor whats not to like?

Myke B Group A Finalist:

Some say Myke's quiet demeanor can be unsettling. While being very quiet and soft spoken in the office, we have seen that it doesn't really reflect the way he throws that paddle around. We're told that He doesn't smile at wins and not at losses, and for someone who spells his name with a "y" we think he's got something up his sleeve for tonight.




Greg Court Group B Finalist:


Many say that Greg doesn't like to share, but he's sharing the top spot with Group A finalist Ann Bodner with 8 straight wins in the round robin. Greg was seen today heading to the gym, pre-game workout? Not many players will do that but maybe its some sort of game ritual Greg has going on, he can't afford to have any bad omens on this day.




Daniel Group B Finalist:

Daniel believes that the eyes are the gateway to the soul, so he has decided not to risk letting the world see into his ping pong secrets. With 7 wins out of 8, I guess he has every right to be superstitious.







Ray Group B Finalist:

The young blood, what Ray lacks in experience he makes up for in confidence. Always willing to play a match, this young up-coming player has what it takes to become a legend but will it be tonight? The odds are stacked against him we'll see what this kid can do.








Our fourth finalist of Group B is in the works of being determined with one player backing out, points have to be re-evaluated. Stay tuned for the his/her reveal.

Video Games Created to Help Mental Disorders

Remember when your mom would tell you that you would rott your brain if you kept playing mario brothers, sonic the hedge hog, counter strike, ect ect (you get my point ). Well they have now started developing games to help patients with mental and even physical disorders. They might not be the action packed games like MMW3 or HALO, but the are "well-produced serious games that have been commercialized for improving psycho-education". Puts a new spin into the way we think about video games.

Here is an excerpt from the study, for the whole study follow the link below:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3433177/

" PlayMancer: a video game for treating mental disorders

PlayMancer is an EU initiative to develop a video game prototype for treating specific mental disorders (namely EDs and impulse control disorders). It is being applied at the Department of Psychiatry (University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain) in mental disorders (mainly EDs and behavioural addictions) and introduces the player to an interactive scenario (named Islands), where the final goal is to increase emotional self-control skills in patients and self-control over their general impulsive behaviours. A multidisciplinary team of clinicians, engineers and programmers have developed this video game, by considering user requirements and emotional reactions as well as personality profiles of the targeted patients. " - Journal of Mental Health

New Companions

So over the past few weeks these babies have been popping in and around the office. Sleek looking things for sure. The world of technology is always changing and as a business that relies on it we couldn't just let these guys go to just any studio? Come on, they deserve a good home, no greasy fingers from popcorn, or spilled coffee, or messy sandwiches, ................... hmmm I guess the boyz will have to start eating away from their desks.

Who will be the KING OF PONG!

Such a great question! So many amazing players in this tournament, but there can only be one KING of PONG! Here are some shots right now of the wins and losses, we'll keep you updated while the action keeps happening here at HoC. Many tears and many victories who will be the champion?

Greg and Daniel Getting their game faces on!

Myke B sending a mean serve to Wes.

Things are getting real!

Looks like we've got some pong cold feet around this group?

Go Matt Go!

Sunday March 3rd HOC will be cheering for our own Matt Whelan at the first ever Canadian Screen Awards.  Matt, one of HOC's two commercial directors, was recently nominated for the Achievement in Visual Effects category for his work on Silent Hill: Revelation 3D. 

As CG Supervisor, Matt worked closely with the talented team at MR.X to create some bone chilling, face pealing, transforming, fiery effects  and incredibly complex creature work on the 2013 nominated feature Silent Hill: Revelation. We are extremely proud of Matt's successes and wish him well at the Gala Event.

Good Luck Matt!  

Escape from Planet Earth ......

Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen, 2 HoC OG's had some exciting news to share with us this week and we wanted to share it with everyone!!!! Congrats you guys!

Escape From Planet Earth is an animated action-comedy directed by Cal Brunker , written by Bob Barlen & Cal Brunker, starring Sofia Vergara, Ricky Gervais, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry, William Shatner, Craig Robinson, Jane Lynch and George Lopez.

The movie catapults the audience to planet Baab where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population. A master of daring rescues, Scorch pulls off astonishing feats with the quiet aid of his nerdy, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA.

When BASA’s no-nonsense chief Lena (Jessica Alba) informs the brother s of an SOS from a notoriously dangerous planet, Scorch rejects Gary’s warnings and bounds off for yet another exciting mission. But when Scorch finds himself caught in a fiendish trap set by the evil Shanker (William Shatner) it’s up to scrawny, risk-adverse Gary to do the real rescuing.

As the interplanetary stakes rise to new heights, Gary is left to save his brother, his planet, his beloved wife Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) and their adventure hungry sun Kip.

Escape From Planet Earth is produced and distributed by The Weinstein Company. Look for it in theaters February 15, 2013!

While your were away........

So for the past week the Boys have been away on a Business trip to LA. While they're having fun in the sun we're hard at work over here .........

Girls taking a break from the cold weather. I think Fridays should now be "Spa Fridays"

Cheers to the ladies!!!

Stealing chocolate, I mean "borrowing" chocolate!

Guys' turn to relax and unwind.  Mike looks pretty good in that chair!