Technicolor Games India: Back in Business
After its recent acquisition by Mumbai-based PFW, Technicolor Games India is reopening its Bangalore facility, inviting employees back on-site. This move signals stability after last year’s Technicolor Creative Studios breakup, which left many in limbo. While details on long-term plans remain scarce, the reopening suggests that at least parts of the former Technicolor empire might find new footing under different ownership. Whether this marks a trend for other divisions remains to be seen—but for now, it’s a rare piece of good news in an industry that’s seen too many closures.
On of our favourite directors ventures into animation!
Renowned for his cinematic odysseys into the human psyche, Werner Herzog is now charting new territory: animation. At the age of 82, Herzog is set to direct his inaugural animated feature, “The Twilight World,” adapted from his own novel. This project delves into the extraordinary true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer who, steadfast in his duty, continued guerrilla warfare in the Philippine jungles for thirty years after World War II had officially ended.
International Collaboration
This ambitious project is a French-German co-production between Psyop and Sun Creature Studio. Psyop, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is acclaimed for its advertising and short-form content, while Sun Creature Studio has garnered recognition for works like the Oscar-nominated animated documentary “Flee” and the Cartoon Network series “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe.” Both studios will contribute their animation expertise to bring Herzog’s vision to life.
Script and Production Details
The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Michael Arias, known for “Tekkonkinkreet” and “The Animatrix,” and Luca Vitale, working closely with Herzog. Herzog will also lend his distinctive voice as the film’s narrator. Production is slated to commence in 2026, following the completion of Herzog’s live-action film “Bucking Fastard,” with a targeted release in 2028.
Herzog’s quote: I always felt that Hiroo Onoda’s story, having spanned almost 30 years of fever dreams in the jungle, was best suited for literature, not cinema — which is why I chose to tell it through a novel. It wasn’t until the producers at Psyop approached me about adapting Onoda’s story into an animated film that I realized the potential that animation had to tell this story in a truly compelling and imaginative way. I am very much looking forward to the challenge of working in what is for me, a totally new medium.
A good boy, ready for zoomies!
VFX Grace has launched a 3D German Shepherd model, designed for animation and VFX projects. Created in Blender, the model features a detailed rig, realistic fur with hair cards, and high-quality 4K textures. It supports real-time rendering and cinematic-quality animation, making it suitable for film, games, and visualization projects.
The model includes a full-body rig with IK/FK switching, allowing smooth movement and natural deformations. The fur is crafted using Blender’s particle system, providing a lifelike appearance without excessive performance costs. The UV-mapped 4K textures enhance realism, ensuring the model integrates seamlessly into various pipelines.
The German Shepherd 3D model is available for purchase (400 rigged, 650 fully animated) on the VFX Grace website. And whoever owns a dog knows that is comparatively cheap, because with this doggo you won’t have to replace the couch, doors and whatever is the newest chew toy. Before using it in production, artists should test compatibility with their specific workflows.
And another bit of good news: Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds started filming today!
