Bumblebee Transformer of the Autobots

Inarguably the most beloved Autobot after the great Optimus Prime, Bumblebee Transformer is brave and fiercely devoted to the cause of any good Autobot. One of the smaller Transformers overall, Bumblebee more than makes up for his modest size with a certain fearlessness that has come to be regarded by his fellow Autobots as indispensable.

In Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon, Bumblebee was the official protector of the human main character, Sam Witwicky. Staying mostly true to his 1980s character as a human-befriending, generally upbeat Transformer, Bumblebee did undergo some drastic physical changes, all of which had the effect of making him a more believable warrior. His Volkswagen Beetle alt-mode experienced a complete overhaul - all except the vibrant yellow color - to a modern Camaro.

His self-doubt, stemming from constantly trying to prove himself to his larger brethren in the comics and cartoons, is largely shelved in the Transformers franchise, and Bumblebee's modified persona and battle acumen enable him to take on the likes of the Decepticon Barricade, defeating him handily.

Bumblebee's alt-mode has become significantly weaponized in Dark of the Moon, so much so that you never feel the need to "call in the cavalry" when he encounters a serious threat, as the once little-yellow-car seems more than capable of taking on the enemy, all by himself.

Although his allegiance and care for his Autobot teammates is without question, Bumblebee does seem more inclined to be with and look after humans, instead. With an annoying voice box that can't seem to get fixed, even with advanced robot technology, he speaks using entertaining radio voices with a warmth and humor to human beings that must rankle the gruff Ironhide.

The Autobot, to whom Bumblebee looks up the most, is of course Optimus Prime; regards the great Prime as an almost mythical figure. So much so that Bumblebee's penchant for self-sacrifice for the cause of good is a conscious mimicry of Prime's own.

With the constant threat of the Decepticon menace, Bumblebee Transformer's energy cannons and ever-sharpening fighting ability are always ready to aid the downtrodden; and, though he has graduated from being merely the robot sidekick of Sam Witwicky, he is always ready to be at his side in a moment's notice.
Transformers: Age of Extinction goes ever deeper into the Transformers mythos, establishing the fabled Dinobots as a part of the Autobot crew. In fact, it seems that Grimlock is more Optimus Prime's charge than any other, and this becomes rivetingly-clear as the movie opens.

Mike's nephew has three Transformers robot toys that he can't do without: Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee. Of these, Bumblebee Transformer is his favorite. He built a website devoted to Dark of the Moon, and hopes someday he will grow up to appreciate it. Check him out and Like Transformers!

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Reasons To Hire A Motion Graphics Company

Motion graphics is a great tool for commercial companies that aid in the broadcast of the company's message, promotional theme and description of products and services in the most effective perspective. Without this, a company can't have a formal online reputation on the Internet. For this, brand videos play a vital role for firms. Hiring the video production company exposes multiple benefits on the commercial front that are highly fruitful not only for the commercial firms but also for the video production company as well. Here are the top reasons why a business firm must hire the motion graphics professionals for enhancing brand recognition and online reputation all over the Internet.

Save Time

Hiring a motion graphics company saves lots of time. As compared to professional motion graphics company, the novices or common internet users might develop a low quality brand video. Moreover, it will take lots of time for a simple looking task. In addition, the so-produced motion graphics might not be prepared within the deadline and might not meet quality expectations of the company. Here, the pro company will offer the quick and top notch video within a short time period.

Quality Content

Obviously, a common man won't be able to design the motion graphics for the brand image of the company. It lacks the valuable info about the latest trend of the market. Thus, the video might not be as per the targeted market for the brand recognition. On the other hand, experienced motion graphics expert will deliver the top grade content with the proper finishing touch and professional style presentation to strike the target audience with apt objective and in sync with market force.

Consistent Design

Often, companies need series of videos so that it can demonstrate the ideas effectively as well as develop a proper online reputation of the brand as a whole. Thus, consistent quality of the motion graphics is very important which is only possible by experts' hand with years of experience in the video production company.
Creativity

Last, but not the least, is the creativity without which the videos will look boring and unprofessional. Thus creativity is one of the basic needs of the brand videos, thus, giving the proper innovative content that is compatible with the brand and theme of the company. Also, the creative content of the video matches the market trends so as to give the proper format of the company. This is the major reason why the companies prefer to go for top class video production company.

Overall Impression

On the whole, the motion graphics play a vital role in the crafting and designing of the brand video for the company. Creativity, time saving, consistency and quality content are the major reasons that make people hire an animation company. Interestingly, this is not an affordable option for smaller firms and personal videos, but ideal for big companies with proper brand and online reputation.

About the Company:-

At Media Challenge Productions, they thrive on being creative and keeping their clients happy, they believe that their work talks for itself and can make a difference! Media Challenge provides outstanding video production services to top corporate companies, leading public sector organizations, businesses and charities. They work closely with all their clients to ensure that they get the most out of services and all their videos are tailored to suit particular needs. Video is now an everyday part of traditional online marketing including Yell, Facebook, Twitter, Google AdWords and YouTube. With Media Challenge Productions all their clients get benefit from a toolkit of skills, experience and technology.

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Cartoons, a License for Racism?

It seems cartoons have a lot more politically correct leeway when it comes to racism or using racial stereo types. Mainstay cartoon series such as The Simpson's, South Park and American Dad seem to be able to get away with racist overtones and comedy that wouldn't fly on a "human" show. On the extreme there are people who can even, somehow by some stretch of the imagination, find racism in cartoon's like Arthur or Rugrats.

There are cartoons from several generations ago that had undertones of racism, where as today's cartoons use racism or stereotypes overtly, in a comedic way, like the blunt in your face comedy of Don Rickles. And today's cartoons get away with that humor as does Rickles.

A new cartoon series The Adventures of Wong Lo Fan is no exception, in this case more in the realm of reserve racism playing off the stereo types that Chinese have of Westerners. Wong is as common a Chinese last name as Smith, but "Lo Fan" is the derogatory slang term for white people. The character Wong Lo Fan himself, a nerdy blonde haired blue eyed teen, was "raised the child of a poor rice farmer in mainland China."

DZToons, the creators of The Adventures of Wong Lo Fan, say "it's all in good fun. Every group of people has stereotypical perceptions of other groups of people, whether it's based on race, religion, country or other factors. If we get too politically correct, we become too easily offended, and we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and others.

Cartoons have the ability to allow us to still laugh at the politically incorrect." They continue, "I think Mel Brooks would have a hard time making a movie like Blazing Saddles in this day and age, he would have offended just about everyone in the audience in the first 10 minutes, which is a shame, we should be able to laugh at ourselves and our differences without taking offense."

DZToons hopes that audiences in both North America and Asia will find something to love and laugh at when the series airs. They're betting that the support is there and we'll see just how they fare with the IndieGoGo campaign to get the first season made.

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Transformers Dark of the Moon - Three Dimensions of Ruin

Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon is so poor a movie, you just have to see it in 3-D. Read that again; the only saving grace of this disjointed, clunky film is the medium of its expression. The robots are so massive and stunningly-rendered that they actually do the 3-D special effects justice, and are surpassed only by James Cameron's Avatar. Of course, there do the comparisons come to a screeching halt, much like metal-on-metal.

Where Avatar shone like a sun, Transformers Dark of the Moon exploded like a star, except it did it again and again. With no rhyme or reason as to character motivations and sequential glue, it ran roughshod over our senses with inane comedic attempts and petulant acting. Oh; and buttocks and such, especially in the opening scene of Cybertron.

Sam's (Shia Labeouf) girlfriend (new actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) walked into the room in dazzlingly-spare apparel, much to the delight of the male portion of the movie theater and the envy of most of the female half - although in truth, it was more like an 80/20 split, as can be expected for a movie about giant alien robots from Cybertron.

"If this was having my name on it, I was determined to make it technically perfect," Mr. Michael Bay said in a telephone interview with a journalist from the New York Times. This highlights the problem with the movie on the robots from Cybertron: technical perfection as the primary consideration for a movie is not the way to go (although, in a practical sense, it is these kinds of movies Bay is hired to make, and they might cost big bucks, but they also bring them in), at the expense of sacrificing the tying together of disparate scenes.

We settle for this when a plot is clearly out of the question. That said, Transformers Dark of the Moon is truly spectacular in 3-Dimensional filming and, frankly, is the only real reason to go see it. The novel sky-jumpers they used in the film glide right out of the screen and into your life, when viewed in 3-D, and the robots seem like they could touch - or blast - you right out of the theater. I'm surprised that wasn't written into the movie.

We are shortly coming upon the latest Transformers movie - directed yet again by Michael Bay - where the magnificent Dinobots make an appearance. The trailers and previews show the mighty Grimlock in full metallic regalia, with a battle-hardened Optimus Prime riding him into battle with the latest threat from the dead planet Cybertron. It will be one heck of a ride.

Mike was anticipating Transformers the Dark of the Moon for almost a year, wondering whether the third movie would surpass the first two Cybertron Transformers films. He even built a site dedicated to her little nephew, who adores the alien robots from the planet Cybertron.

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A Few Reasons Why Animated Videos Are Amazing

Animation is a form of storytelling that appeals to vision in a way live action movies sometimes cannot. They can present vibrant colors, unique characters, and stylistic art in order to tell a story. An animated video can tell a story in a unique way and there are many reasons for that.

1. Creativity

One of the main appeals of animation is its ability to tell a story in a variety of ways. It doesn't even have to be grounded in reality so long as it is done well. The popular "I'm Just a Bill" video from Schoolhouse Rock is an example of that: a piece of legislation speaks (and sings) about how it becomes a law. Even as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2015, the video is just as relevant today as it was in the '70s and still helps young students understand the legislative process.

An animated video awards creative freedom that cannot be done with any other medium. The world, laws, and appearance of things in the video are all entirely created by the artist and animation production team, and the possibilities are limitless. It is a realm for imagination to run completely wild. It is here, in animation, where some of the greatest videos and characters are born, telling viewers stories that could not be effectively told any other way.

2. Reach

Animation also has a far-reaching effect. Animated videos are more accessible and can be viewed by more people in a greater range of age groups than an ordinary video. People are drawn to videos that evoke a different sensation in the mind and take imagination to a different world. Cartoons and animated videos from other countries can be viewed all over the world and it would be easier to understand the message than with live action alone.

It is easier to view an animated video, no matter your age, because it illuminates the mind and brings a level of engagement nothing else can offer. Not every animated video is the same - there are different artists, designers, and producers, bringing a unique experience to the wide variety of videos.

3. Appeal

Animation is captivation. People are, by nature, visual creatures. Through vision we take in the world around us, and our eyes look for things that please them. Animated videos appeal to that desire and engage the viewer in a particular way. Concepts are better understood when they are shown rather than told, such as the "I'm Just a Bill" video mentioned earlier. Animation makes it easy to learn a new concept or take in a story.

An animated video captures the audience's attention, opens their eyes and minds to new ideas, and engages them in a unique, memorable experience. It is through animation that true storytelling is fully realized.

Powerhouse Animation is a traditional 2d animation studio based in Austin, Texas. Since 2001, Powerhouse has been making ideas come to life through animation, illustration, and motion graphics. With a staff of 35 in-house artists, animators, videographers and designers, Powerhouse works on a wide variety of projects and has created animation for companies including Disney, Sony, Marvel, DC, Old Spice, Miramax, the USO and more.

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What Are The Best Uses For Original Video Animation?

Original video animation, or animated films and series made especially for release in home video formats, has become a burgeoning enterprise in the entertainment realm, particularly in Japan, where it originated. But OVA also holds promise here as a unique means to convey a corporate promotional message, especially when your audience is techno-savvy and entertainment-minded. Here are five ways animation can introduce or enhance a brand - or simply tell a story in a different way.

Introduce a world that supports your message - Yamaha created an animated video series called "The Master of Torque." It features stories told in two to seven minutes that contain various characters who experience all manner of adventures, many of which include rides on Yamaha motorcycles. The good guys always seem to outrace the bad guys, subtly suggesting that the Yamaha motorcycle is special.

 

Present characters that the audience will associate with you - A common theme in animation is the hero or heroine. As with conventional comic-book-based animated films, there can be flaws or complex circumstances that have rendered an unconventional protagonist. But the protagonist is almost always compelling - to the point that at the end of an episode the viewer can't wait to see what takes place in the next one. Speaking of...

Take advantage of the serial format - Animation is best employed when it is part of an ongoing series. Episode One introduces something that ties to Episode Two. Episode Two is wrought with adventures that create the need for resolution, which you find in Episode Three. And so on. If it is done well, original video animation creates a bond between the story's characters (and its adventures) and the viewer. Engaging the audience is top priority with any type of communication, and OVA is an excellent way to appeal to the demographic noted in the first paragraph.

Make beautiful music together - By together, we mean the integration of the images in the video and music you choose to share with your audience. MTV introduced the music video back in the 1980s, and gradually, as the first song that ever played on the network predicted, "Video Killed the Radio Star." Everyone wanted an image to go along with the song.

Why? Because a song took on a whole new dynamic as a video, as it escaped the sound realm and ventured into sight, as well. Video animating can do the same thing, only in a "next generation" way. Here's an example of a company creating compelling characters, enhancing their situation with music, and reinforcing just how cool this company is for doing all that, in just over three minutes, no less.

Enjoy the sizzle, but focus on the steak - Almost any technological bell or whistle will hold some appeal for a time, but unless it gives the audience a practical reason to respond or react to a brand, product, or service, it is doomed to be a near miss. You want hits. A well-focused original video animation can hit a home run.

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Revisiting Woody, Wonder Woman and the Fantastic Four

I have not written much lately. I used to write daily but that was a long time ago. It is true that work, family and a home business have taken up a lot of my time. But, I have not felt as driven to write as I used to feel, too. This entry is my attempt to get back into writing and discussing comic books and classic cartoons.

I have not watched any old Woody Woodpecker or Andy Panda cartoons for a few years. I need to spend an evening introducing my daughter to the good old cartoons I grew up watching. That said, she has watched Pink Panther and loves him. I even bought her a collection of the earliest Pink Panther cartoons. (I forgot he actually talked in a few of them.) Soon, I will find time to show my girl who Woody Woodpecker is and why he is a classic character. I've said it before but I'll say it again, the best Woody cartoons were the earliest years when he was pestering Wally Walrus, had a larger body and crazy eyes.

Regarding animated/comic book characters, I am very excited to see the new Fantastic Four movie coming out this summer. There has been a lot of controversy over the movie and Marvel Comics fans are split on whether it will be a good or bad film. Of course, we will not really know until the movie comes out.

But, why are some comic book readers upset about the upcoming Fantastic Four movie? Some fans are upset that the tone of the movie is going to be more serious than past FF movies. Other fans are upset that an African-American actor is cast as the Human Torch. Meanwhile, others are upset that Doctor Doom's last name has been changed. None of these changes really upset me and I am a longtime Fantastic Four fan. I am a little concerned that the Thing may be naked in the movie (as it appears in previews). However, I will be happy as long as there is heroics, drama and the four act like family.

Another comic book/cartoon character I have been revisiting recently is Wonder Woman. A few months ago I purchased a DVD set of the first season of Wonder Woman from the 1970s. I remember seeing the show a few times as a child but never really watched it back in the late 1970s and early 1980s (when it was still in reruns). However, I am very impressed by the series. The first year of the television series was set in the 1940s and has Wonder Woman fighting Nazis alongside Steve Trevor. It even had her close friend Etta Candy and sister Wonder Girl in the show. The first year of the show is a perfect representation of the Golden Age Wonder Woman. I feel Lynda Carter was the perfect choice to play the role, too. She looks like I would expect Wonder Woman to look in real life.

Let's continue to remember classic characters of the past, such as Woody Woodpecker and Wonder Woman, while being open to new interpretations of our favorites, as in the case of the Fantastic Four.


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Paprika Anime Analysis

Paprika is an amazingly complex and entertaining anime. It takes us into a different world and shows us incredible events mainly from the perspective of Doctor Atsuko Chiba and Detective Toshimi Konakawa. Chiba leads a research team in the development of a device to be used for psychotherapy called the DC Mini. She starts using it to treat Konakawa, but somebody steals the DC Mini and throws the world into chaos as dreams and reality begin to merge. Paprika is a representation of contemporary Japanese society as it deals with issues of becoming an increasingly technological society.

Paprika shows the dangers and benefits of technology. The idea that technology can have good and bad components is common to many other anime in science fiction, apocalyptic, and mecha genres. J. P. Telotte terms the idea of celebrating technology while being wary of its destructive and dehumanizing potential "double vision" (Napier 86). 

Paprika shows various examples of how technology, represented by the DC Mini, can be used to benefit humankind. Chiba uses the DC Mini medically to treat Konakawa's recurring nightmares and ultimately resolve his psychological conflict. The DC Mini is also a device of empowerment. It opens up the dream world in a way where people can learn to actively resolve their internal, psychological problems. Konakawa ultimately resolves his issue of dealing with his friend's death by confronting his problems in the dream world. Chiba uses her alternate personality named Paprika in the dream world to help others through psychotherapy. The DC Mini is shown as a technology that can have a great potential to help others.

Paprika also presents apocalyptic visions of Japan through its interaction with the DC Mini. The chairman steals the DC Mini in an attempt to merge everyone's dreams resulting in blurred lines between reality and dreams. This shows the potential for technology to be used selfishly to carry out an individual's personal desires leading to chaos in the world. Furthermore, this could be interpreted as a criticism on technology's capability to disengage people from reality and rely on "comfort-through-escape" (Figal). Figal applies this idea specifically to media as represented in Paranoia Agent, but a similar idea may be applied to the concept of the DC Mini in Paprika. In the dream world, even when people are dragged into the chaotic parade of dreams created by the chairman, people are shown to be in a crazed happy state.

Technology also has an ambiguous influence on identity. This is shown through Chiba's personality contrasted with Paprika, her alternate form. Chiba is shown to be a very serious, somewhat introverted woman committed to her work while Paprika is very extroverted and carefree. This might represent the struggle of identity on an individual level for people living in a high tech world.

This presents both positive and negative aspects of technology. The DC Mini allows Chiba to explore and display different aspects of herself in different worlds (the real world and the technological/dream one accessed through the DC Mini), but her two sides conflict with each other. This is manifested in actually arguments between the two characters. So while technology may provide a way for individuals to express various aspects of themselves they may not otherwise be able to, it also may present conflicts between different aspects of the self that someone may not be able to reconcile with.

Paprika presents the idea of "double vision" of technology. The DC Mini can at once be used for healing and empowerment, but also be used to take over the world and destroy order. It can provide a method for individuals to express conflicting sides of themselves.

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