Spirited Away: The Films of Studio Ghibli March 10 - April 13 at TIFF Bell Lightbox

"Often referred to as the Disney of Japan, Studio Ghibli has created some of the most wondrous and groundbreaking animated films in the history of cinema. Discover (or re-discover) such classics as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro and many others in this fifteen-film retrospective." - tiffbelllightbox

This is something not to be missed.................Enough said.

The New Kid In Town

So we have had our debates before about Starbucks vs Timmy's but there is a new kid in town. Balzac's! (not to be confused with "ball-sack"). Unfortunately it is nowhere close to the studio, sigh'. I personally prefer this company over the big chains. Great coffee, awesome treats and a wide array of different kinds of milk. Just thought I'd let the rest of the world know so they can be just as excited as me!

I guess the studio will still only be filled with the empty cups of Starbucks, Timmy Ho's and the occasional  trendy organic vegan no gluten coffee shop that was opened for six months down the street.


http://www.balzacscoffee.com/

picture of their distillery district location! Also one in Liberty Village.

Cheesecake is an Artists Fuel

This morning we received the best gift of all "Cheesecake"! Thanks to Ben Pilgrim the studio is not only fueled on creativity and drive today, but on something that is covered in chocolate, made out of chocolate, with a chocolate filling and a hint of caramel.

How will we ever face another day without this wonderful slice of heaven. Thanks again Ben! Your talent for making cheesecake must get you tons of girls!

 

Cheesecake at the desk always makes them work faster!

 

If you're around come by and have a slice before it's all gone!

Hugo

As a preproduction studio it's always difficult to show work we do on films because they are often not released for years after we've worked on them. Here are some development images we did on The Invention of Hugo Cabret (now titled Hugo). These were done about four years ago before Martin Scorsese was involved. The bulk of them were done by Normand Lemay.

House of Cool's Next Top Storyboard Artist!

We are in search for the next cool storyboard artist - Jr. position available. Can you handle our cool? Send us your work and you could be working and learning from some of the top feature story talent in Canada.

Send applications to apply@houseofcool.com

From Pool Table to Ping Pong

Since our last trip to spin everyone has been itching to play. Our Pool table got an upgrade today!!! But can Wes figure out how to put it together?

Rio Talk

Carlos was awesome talking about Rio. His presentation was polished and very informative. A real pro.

It's always nice to see someone who is as down to earth as Carlos be so successful.

Here is a shot from the talk and the lunch after.

Lill' Red and Gainer at it again!!

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

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

Carlos Saldanha from Bluesky coming to down

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!!!

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

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!

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!

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

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!!!