Stanley Park Wind Damage

Click here to see some photos of the recent wind damage in Stanley Park caused by the winter storms we have had roll through the Vancouver area. I have to say that aside from the real obvious danger to people I absolutely love it when Mother Nature gets her knickers in a twist and fires some old fashioned turmoil our way. The wind storm that caused this damage was probably the worst I can remember. One of the more outrageous stories that came out of the wind storms was of a homeless man living in the brush of Stanley Park who was literally "trapped" by fallen debris. He somehow survived the limbs and branches, etc. that fell all around him only to find that once they fell... He was surrounded and couldn't get out! He had been caged!

New Ralph McQuarrie Book

Click here to read about a huge new volume highlighting the work of visionary artist and Star Wars conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie. The singular impact on pop-culture of this one artist can not be understated. He is undoubtedly responsible directly or indirectly for inspiring many of Hollywood's top film makers and visual effects practitioners. I can certainly remember as a kid basically accepting his work as "real." I could never quite figure out the bit about how there was a guy who was not the director but who somehow was "the man" in terms of how everything looked in the film. And then I thought about how cool it would be to be that dude. Well, that hasn't exactly happened... But at least I am involved in making movies!

Extreme Resolution Photography

Check this craziness out. A truly stunning project. Thanks to Rita Kunzler for passing along this link! Here's the blurb from creator Greg Downing:

Hi,

After a few years of work I have finally posted some of the gigapixel photography that I have been creating with my business partner and buddy Eric Hanson and I thought it would be a good time to let my friends and colleagues know about it. I used a pan and tilt technique with a motion control head to assemble 350 16 mega pixel images into a single 3.8gigapixel 360 degree spherical panorama of Yosemite as well as some other locations. I then took the image and split it up into over 100,000 256x256 jpg tiles and used the google maps api to point at my tiles instead of googles map tiles. Now anyone can navigate them. Each time you reload the home page you will find one of 5 of our gigapixel images, and more are coming in the next few weeks. One of the photos is taken from the same spot that Ansel Adams shot "Monolith, the Face of Half Dome" on a spot called "the diving board". From this one spot you can see 9 waterfalls, hikers in the valley below, big and little Yosemite valleys and even a rock climber on the face of half dome almost a mile away. There are 7 other images of this resolution on the site and some interesting movies of time-lapse w/ DEM integration that is interesting too.

This is our second attempt at a launch, the first one was last week. Within a few hours of posting it on a few visual effects studios internal mailing lists the response was like an avalanche. We were serving 22 gigabytes an hour and we were using our entire ISPs bandwidth, they basically kicked us off since they could not serve their other customers. We have since found an ISP with a dedicated connection with 60 times the bandwidth and are on our own dedicated server, so we should be up to the task this time around!

I am trying to get the word out about this website, so if you are a digg.comuser or have a blog please click on the digg link from the homepage and add some comments or blog about it if you think it's cool and tell your friends.

Thanks!
-Greg

Winter Wonderland!

Well no-one really expected this! A massive (by west coast standards mind you) snow storm has rolled over southern B.C. this week. This is the view off of my back sundeck looking pretty much due east at Mount Seymour. Those three peaks you can see are called "The Pumps." Although this has meant all the usual crippling fallout around town with people and infrastructure basically not dealing with it all that well... I have actually really enjoyed it! I love winter! You know, it is a cool thing when the buses are so crowded the driver is just having a laugh with people, letting people on at both ends without worrying about getting all the fares simply because he doesn't want people to be out in the cold! Amazing. As I got on the bus this morning in a decidedly messy morning commute and looked around at all the different faces and heard all the languages being spoken that I couldn't understand, yet people are all happily co-existing all crammed tightly together... Well I couldn't help but feel a little more upbeat about the world. Simple as that.

The 2006 Gentleman's Weekend

After much delay and general phaffing about the annual event that all those in the "Bryden Closed Circuit Audience" anxiously await each year of finally happened! The 2006 Gentleman's Weekend! Now, for those of you not in the know here is the brief history. Eight years ago my buddy Pat Bryden got married and invited friends from all corners of his life to a brief "Gentleman's Weekend" prior to the big event. Much hilarity, quaffing of brewskies, ingestion of the famous "Spolumbo's Sausage" of Calgary origins (and resulting expulsion of various vapours and gases) ensued. When Pat's twin brother Mike got married the following year said group of friends once again shared in a weekend of camaraderie. When the next year rolled around, and no-one was getting hitched - we all decided to have a "Gentleman's Weekend" anyway! And in the years since a weekend away with the Brydens has become an annual event. This year was the third straight in B.C. but shifted from the surfer's paradise of Tofino to the downhill shredding heaven of the coastal mountains!

Nick-named the first ever "Winter Dubb," The 2006 Gentleman's Weekend hosted by Miko Bryden and located in the Squamish and Whistler region proved to be massively enjoyable. Beginning with the traditional marathon ball-hockey kick-off this year located in East Vancouver and finishing up with a nail biting winter rally style race on the Sea to Sky Highway to the airport in blizzard conditions, the early on-set of winter on the west coast provided the perfect setting for an explosion winter sports action. Accommodations at the How Sound Brew Company provided sensational libations including the ever-present order of "Rusty Nails" known colloquially as "the death nail."

Now, The Walshman is not exactly known as a regular on the downhill slopes preferring the heart pounding (literally) thrills of skate skiing. However, in honour of the weekend's gathering, he decided to mount some boards and assault the mountain. Little did he know he would show such divine inspiration on the slopes! Novice? Who said anything about novice! The Walshman has mad downhill skills! Who would have thunk it!? The first run was a blue and he never looked back! Preparations have already begun for the G.W. 2007 in Fernie and The Walshman will be dusting off his mountain biking stead... A year is too long to wait!

Thunderbirds sweep the Vikes at Head of the Gorge

Saturday October 28, 2006

As last year’s winners, the UBC varsity men held poll position for this year’s 5km long Head of the Gorge. Last year’s crew was expected to win with a roster that included Olympians Ben Rutledge, Kyle Hamilton and Rob Weitemeyer. This year the T-Bird lineup was totally new, save for veteran Ben Dove as seven athletes and their coxswain were lost to graduation.

"I know that many thought we would be 'rebuilding' this year with such a large turn over, but this group has been quick to gel and they love to race; anything can happen with these guys," says men's coach Mike Pearce.

Happened it did.

The Thunderbirds held off the attack from the Vikes national-team-laden crew in the first half, then pulled away slightly in the second half to win by 6 seconds. The race was a great confidence builder heading into the Canadian University Rowing Championships being held this weekend in St. Catharines Ontario , where the T-Birds will be looking to defend their National title won last year.

The UBC men's eight was coxswain Adrian Lietch, stroke Brandon Campbell, Tim Love, Ben Dove, Adam Cragg, Graham Harris, Kevin Devlin, Daniel Gaisford, bow Chris Zanieski.

Final times 1 UBC 13:11.02, 2 UVic 13:17.77, 3 UVic JV 14:03.79

The varsity women, emboldened with a one, two finish at the Head of the Fraser Fours two weeks ago, were eager to take on the Vikes in the eight.

The Viking women have not lost the Head of the Gorge in at least the last 15 years -perhaps longer. A determined T-Bird crew started to reel in the Vikes early, closing the starting gap of 20 seconds to less than 10 seconds by the Gorge Narrows . Once the crews were through the Tillicum Narrows the Birds knew they had the race on their hands, but the race now was for the finish line. In the final 500m UBC rowed down the Vikes, passing them and opening up a length before crossing the line first and winning by 26 seconds.

As with the men, the race was a great boost going into the National Championships were UBC will look to unseat the Vikes who won the National Championships last year, reclaiming the title won by UBC in 2004.

UBC women's eight was coxswain Melina Iddon, stroke Nathalie Maurer, Melissa Cory, Ava Storey, Jacqueline Thygeson, Tayna Lahdenranta, Aiden Sisler, Paige Jackson, bow Martha Pierce.

Final times: 1 UBC 15:21.67, 2 UVic 15:47.68, 3> Gorge RC 16:14.71

Walshman Note: As far as I know this is both the only time U.B.C. has won back-to-back at the Gorge in the men's event and the first time the women have ever won! What an enormous achievement and I am sure a sign of great things to come from the program that the Walshman calls home!

Aquí Venga El Otoño! Autumn is Here!

With a great rush of wind and no lack of Mother Nature's enthusiam autumn has blown its way into our lives on the rainy twilight coast of Vancouver. How beautiful it is too! Although I can't say that I relish the thought of the coming "shoulder seasons" of rain before and after the snow, and therefore mountain amusement, makes its annual appearance, I am more than happy to usher in the coming of fall. This year's long, hot summer seams to have contributed to an abundance of rich auburns, reds and yellows hanging in the trees around our neighbourhood. I love the coming of fall. Something unmistakeable changes in the air... A coolness in the morning, the sun at an ever more glancing angle sweetening the light, and a general clearness of the air. I am moved to think that also a clarity of mind comes creaping in...

The Paddy Wagon

So this post is all about supporting the community... Responding to the call for help and all that (Walshman of and for the people!). I received this email from a former visual effects supervisor I worked with on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" Paddy Eason. Apparently, ole Paddy is in a bit of a pickle personnel-wise. Paddy now works from the United Kingdom office of Rainmaker Visual Effects. Paddy is a talented guy with a long history in the visual effects business and great eye. You know those funky composites of Harry running around inside the invisable cloak during "The Prisoner of Azkaban?" Some of Paddy's fine work! I would look forward to the chance to work with him again... For those in the U.K. this might be a good opportunity to get into a company with a presence in Vancouver. So rather than a mass-forwarded email, here's his message:

If you have a moment, I'd appreciate your help. Please take a look and forward this job on to anyone you think would be interested in the position, or anyone else who could help me find a great candidate.

Thanks for your help! -Paddy

Company: Rainmaker Animation and VFX, London
Job Title: Visual Effects Artists
Description: Rainmaker UK is looking for talented visual effects artists. Any and all specializations are sought - also generalists. Compositors, animators, effects TDs, shader writers, matte painters, lighters etc etc... We are particularly interested in senior artists who wish to get out from under large bureaucratic companies and spread their wings.

Dark Vixen I Love You So!

Well, of course, everyone knows how much I love La Megcita! But no, it is not that vixen I speak of today... I am speaking of that dark elixir that (aside from the above stated love) fuels my existance these days. Never before have I appreciated its magical ways the way that I do now. When 5 hours of sleep counts as a "full night's rest!" I can not describe the cravings I have for that warm chocolate-tinged rich and satisfying brew in the morning. Somebody tell me who invented this stuff! Is there too much of a good thing? It is crazy to think I am so reliant on its powers... Am I addicted? Oh no... Of course not...

Long Live The Black Pepper!

It is with great warmth in my heart that I say congratulations to my favourite Caribbean Frenchman and former flat-mate in London the one and only Jean-Paul "The Black Pepper" Rovela! That most enigmatic and indefinable of all computer graphics artists has gained more than a little self-definition in getting married! C'est formidable!!! I suppose this is as good a forum as any to relate the story of how Jean-Paul gained his nick-name. Jean-Paul and I worked together on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" at The Moving Picture Company in London during the dark soggy winter of 2003/2004. It was then we became friends and ultimately flat-mate on Museum St. We would often go for a coffee in the afternoon at Caffe Zilli on Broadwick Street when we realized that today, yet again, we would be at work until well into the evening. It was on one of these sessions, taking a break from the pressure of production and getting to know each other that the subject of nick-names came up... I thought it was a cool way to get to know each other! To find out what each other was called by friends... Illuminating. Of course, I explained how I gained the nick-name in the third person "The Walshman" from my rowing coach at the 1994 World Rowing Championships Volker Nolte who had the habit of adding a "man" to the end of people's names and only referring to them by that. So he would say "where's the Walshman!?" or something. For others, it disappeared after they were no longer in Volker's midst, however, for some unexplainable reason, it stuck on me. Of course later, there was this strange association to lighting and rendering highend computer graphics and RenderMan... But that's another story. So, I asked Jean-Paul, "what do your friends in Paris call you?" To which he replied "Well, ze onlee zing isza guys sometime call me Casanova... Because of the girlzzz!" to which there was much laughter. But, I then (now famously) responded "The guys may call you Casanova, but to the girls you are The Black Pepper!" And well, I guess that stuck too... Bless The Black Pepper and his new family! Long Live The Black Pepper!!!

Damned Cool Spot

Check out this cool spot. A simple but charming idea and a very nice employment of visual effects. I love the way the gathering weight of this snowball is related in the animation. Slightly spongey, but still heavy. Spots are intriguing to me. I have sort have become "a film guy" by virtue of the last few years of work and it is interesting how you can get labeled like that when the core elements of the work are so similar. The thing about spots that is both the killer appeal and Achilles heel is that it is all about the "idea." There are moments where you say to yourself "wow, what a cool idea" and then you realize you just said that about an advert for a brand of underarm deodorant! Film is much less on the idea and much more on the "art." Films last, spots don't. Film is still the best medium to push a design/look/style because of that bloody big screen. Nothing can replace that forty-footer for appeal of a moving image. Anyway, I am blathering on like a madman now... But suffice to say the two mediums appear irreconcilably divided on this idea versus art axis. Yet they both have strong elements of both as well... See what I mean? Intriguing...

My Stupid New Fancy Television

Click here to see the specs on my stupid new fancy television. For whatever reason I have never spent any money on a television. This is literally the first one when the price tag raised my eyebrows. I know, I know... Crazy to imagine in my profession that I wouldn't put any value in one. I used to spend (still do really) so much time at the studio and I guess I always preferred the cinema to home viewing. For the longest time I had a crap 17" JVC television was literally a "hand-me-down" from my folks. No kidding. Early on when I started work, everyone else was blowing all kinds all kinds of cash on huge projection televisions I had my little 17" crapper... Seems ridiculous now, but hey did I suffer? Not really, I just saw a lot movies in the theatre. Meg and I got rid of that one when we started globe trotting. When we got set up in Los Angeles we bought a 21" Toshiba CRT that's been a nice old school set. But, now that we are "settled" in our new place, spending lots of time "en casa" with Mateo and winter on its way, well I thought it was about time to get a "proper television" to watch movies on cold and rainy winter nights at home. So there it is. I am officially condemned as one of those "home theatre guys." I am gonna have to pay someone sit in front of me, chew loudly, and repeat lines from the film for me... Or else it just won't be the same.

Local Boy Makes Good: Neill Blomkamp

When I saw that RES Magazine had finally placed Neill Blomkamp on their "Top Ten Up and Coming" list of graphics artists/directors sometime last year I knew that eventually the chap would break out of the local scene in a major way. Well, directing "Halo" ought to qualify! The news indeed traveled fast around the Vancouver visual effects and post-production scene that Neill had been awarded the directing gig on one of the most hotly awaited films in years (due to the massive success of the video game title). But really, the boy has been on his way for some time now - no surprise given his solo efforts and his more than accomplished professional work for The Embassy Visual Effects. I remember hearing about how he had started his career at Rainmaker VFX right out of high school basically and has been a "natural" with 3D computer graphics from the start. This lead to much accomplished work and word that Neill was a "one-man studio" forging whole projects single-handedly. The fact that very early on he showed a penchant for total project involvement, design and directing, etc. Makes it come as no surprise that he was selected by Peter Jackson (Executive Producer of "Halo") as the perfect new face to embrace this hugely popular title (not to mention the fact that his own work really could be seen as one long extended pitch for this role). As with all films that originate in a video game concept this one has its fair share of nay-sayers already - like this idiot. Why is it that guys like this insist on pissing all over something that they have no idea about. What a moron! I can see it now... "Halo" comes out in 2008 and this jackass will be all over it and saying "Neill Blomkamp is the best thing since sliced bread." Ridiculous - make something, anything, as good as Neill has - then talk the talk. Cudos to Mr. Blomkamp... All the visual effects hounds in Vancouver are watching as one of their own moves on to the true "big time." Now, if it wasn't all being done at WETA...

Now that's what I can a bike race!

Could you have really asked for anything more entertaining in the great wide world of professional cycling than this year's Tour De France? GAWD! It was awesome... The surprise "ban" announcement just prior to the start opened the field to unlikely competitors for the yellow jersey, the early sprints were exciting, a total long shot Oscar Pereiro takes nearly 30 minutes on the yellow jersey in one strategic move strangely unanswered by the peloton, and the alps prove to be nothing but drama. The strategic favourite, and former Lance-a-like Floyd Landis, awaiting hip replacement surgury of all things, finally takes the lead on a gruelling mountain stage, only to completely crumble the very next day, losing the yellow by nearly 10 minutes. Then, of all things, he wakes up the next day and has what some people think was the single greatest day of racing ever on the tour. He charges away from the peloton on the first assent of a ridiculously tough alpine stage, and consumes 70 bottles of water over 5+ hours and 5 monster climbs to come within 30 seconds of getting the yellow back! And as luck would have it - the following stage was a long distance individual time trial and Landis reigned supreme. Crazy. I was up nearly every day sitting on the sofa, playing with Mateo, and explaining to him all of the ins and outs. I think he understood everything. Especially the part about going fast! I am still at a total loss to understand how Landis, after completely shutting down only the day before, could psychologically get himself together and just go out there and say "well, today, I will just get it back." I suppose we could all learn from that one. Vive le Tour!!!

Mainframe Entertainment and Rainmaker Set to Merge

Ah yes... The ole "fake news post." In fact, a favourite past time of mine. Alas, I can't take credit for this barrel of laughs. Although I never reveal my sources, I will say that yes, "the author" has lived in Germany, owned a Ford Explorer, and married a baker. As dreadful a reality as that may seem. And now, the hilarity!

Vancouver Sun Thursday July 20, 2006

Mainframe Entertainment and Rainmaker Set to Merge

Two of Vancouver's film and television studios are set to merge in a move by Rainmaker to consolidate the previous competitors. It is yet unclear what the new entity will be named. Top analysts believe the most likely possibilities to be, Mainmaker, Rainframe, Lamemaker, Moonraker and Jalopy Puddlebum's World of Computery Tricks.

When asked what spurred on the upcoming merger the new CEO of Rainmaker Warren Franklin commented, "We have been growing exponentially in the last couple of years and we really need somewhere to store our bikes and a couple more washrooms. We see the Mainframe facility as an opportunity to fulfill both."

The Mainframe team greets the coming days with excitement and optimism. Rick Mishel, CEO stated on Wednesday in his weekly PodCast, "Hey Buddy! Hey! Where's Johnny Darrell? Johnnyyyyyy! Hey man! He's crazy! Hey Buddy!"

A letter written by Mishel to Franklin also stated, "Hey Buddy! I hope we can manage to keep the Mainframe stock floundering in the lower twenty cent range. Do you know Johnny Darrell? He's crazy! Johnnyyyyyyy! Later Buddy!"

Franklin's only response was, "My god. What have I done?" before pulling a gun out of his bureau drawer and shooting himself in the stomach. The funeral will be held on Sunday at 10:00am at the Sands Funeral Parlor, 3423 Fraser St.

Click here for the real thing.

The Lord of Song...

Ever since I realised I didn't know more than the first verse to "Twinkle Light Star" I have been thinking about how parents sing all these little songs to their kids without ever really stopping to think about it... So I am going to try something a little different. I am going to sing (if you could call my warbling "singing") to Mateo songs of my favourite Canadian song writers! What better way to introduce the little big dude to our culture!? I was humming a Neil Young song yesterday when I recalled this amazing version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" sung by Jeff Buckley... And I thought why not start with this one! After all Mr. Cohen is my "all time favourite Canadian." One look at this guy and read of his lyrics... Man, amazing.



Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Bucket

Who in their right mind posts this photo of themselves on the Internet!? Bucket - who the hell do you think you are? Bob and/or Doug MacKenzie? How's it goin' eh? 'Av a few too many Foster's of late? Awe whatever... We're all just jealous that the Bucket is chillaxin' on a surf board in the southern hemisphere aren't we? Well, I for one... That damned Bucket!

Mark Norrie: Third Greatest Human

Due to a recent shipment amounting to 3 kilograms of Groundwork's micro-roasted coffee (Venice Beach, CA) accompanied by 2 extraordinary Cuban cigars and a posh lighter, Mark Norrie, formerly of Los Angeles has been promoted to Third Greatest Human in The Walshman global rankings. It goes without saying that Mr. Norrie has strategically positioned himself well to pull off such an endevour. Speaking from his Sydney, Austrailia penthouse suite Mr. Norrie reflected on the recent move. "The Walshman has always been good to me. I am simply the yin to his yang." It will take some doing to topple him from his new roost. Debate still rages over the subject of the cigars, however, and The Walshman has not yet determined how to best make use of them. Current thinking is to employ the services of EBAY. "Cigars courtesy of the Third Greatest Human."

Vive Le Tour

Ah yes... It is that time of year again when we thank the cycling Gods for gifting whomever at OLN with the clairvoyance to give us such amazing "breakfast coverage" of the greatest race on earth, and the most difficult individual event to won in the world.

VIVE LE TOUR!

With all the hooplah surrounding this year's race (the official retirement of Lance Armstrong, the suspension of nine riders including the #1 and #2 contenders Basso and Ullrich, etc.) it is gonna be a wild ride! Stay tuned!

Celebrate With Socks!

Come on people, get your socks on and give it up for the most beautifully confused country in the world! And remember, real Canadians kiss on the lips!

My First Father's Day!

This picture says it all really, doesn't it!

Casa Walsho Springs a Leak!

Somehow, I probably deserved this... Not sure why, but I probably did. We took possession of our lovely new townhouse last night. First order of business was to install full shelving in the closet of our bedroom. It has a small walk-in closet which we really need to take advantage of... Due to the small space we have. At the back of the closet the original builder installed one, yes people... Just one measly shelf. Kinda pointless right? Uh, yeah. So, after measuring out all the studs I decided that before I headed to the store to get the shelving I would just take that one shelf outta there because it was not going to work for us anyway. Little did I know what awaited me when I did that! As I turned the very first screw our of the wall, I heard a strange hissing noise. As I continued to turn the screw out, it got louder and louder... What is that? I thought... What in egad's name have they screwed through on the other side of the wall? And then fizz-whooosh! Water starts spraying out of my wall! You can imagine my stunned response as I feverishly wound the screw back in as tight as it would go and then went running around the apartment shutting off water valves not knowing if I was having any effect or not.

Here is a picture of what it looked like when I finally got the water stopped. Luckily I was quick enough to just figure that if I got that screw back into whatever it came out of I would be fine. As it turns out that's what saved the day! They had drilled that mounting screw right into the sprinkler supply which is on a completely different water system than the household water. So, even though I turned off the household water, it wouldn't have stopped the gushing had I not got that screw back into the pipe, and it would have been minutes not seconds that the water was rushing down inside my walls and would have most certainly cause a ton of damage. I would have had to call 911 or something to get the sprinkler system shut off!

So much for "not having to do anything" as a result of moving into a new place! Someone told me that "you have to live through one of these incidents to develop empathy for your home." As I fill and sand all the wholes the idiot who mounted the shelf improperly created I tell myself "I am learning to love my home..."

"If Image Engine was a woman..."

Click here to read a Vancouver Sun article about the 'up and coming' Vancouver visual effects community. Could it be... At long last... That Vangroovey is finally making the 'AAA' map? Nawh! Come now... don't be ridiculous!

C.R.A.Z.Y.

Vive le Quebec Libre!!! If you have that moment sometime soon as I know you will... When you ponder endlessly the lack of great Quebecois films you've seen lately... Uh, yeah... Well fret no longer! For the great Monsieur Jean-Marc Vallée has given us this masterpiece of film. C.R.A.Z.Y. is an endearing story of growing up in Canada's much maligned Belle Provence during the 1960's and 70's and oh, let's not forget...Beingg gay. Small detail really as it only provides the context for what are some tremendous and personal performances by the entire cast. What I love about this film is that it feels delightfully Canadian without actually trying to be Canadian. It has such rich, authentic and well chosen details the sum total of which create a beautiful fabric that is immensely watchable. Allez-vous!

Version Up! Walshman V|6.2.1 Now Available

Release Notes: this version incorporates cutting-edge strategic planning initiatives and complex dependancy arrangements as well as extensive multiple outcome contingencies. Negotiated resolution, robust hierarchical implementation and aggressive stop-gap asset management techniques are also encorporated. Spring mango a non-negotiable parameter.

Walshman Versus Portman

So... The Walshman faced-off against the power that is known as "The Portman" recently during an a trip east to The New York of Canada (yes, I mean Toronto...) for some on-set visual effects supervision duties on this film. Always an interesting thing "meeting a star." First, there's the meeting, which invariably you are much more uncomfortable with than they are, isn't really a meeting at all. In this case, I was staring down at a crossword puzzle folded on a chair (yes, the secret is out... on-set work is often that boring!) when a voice said "if you can do any better than me, go right ahead." No, in fact I could not add anything to Ms. Portman's efforts in this regard, and so I informed Ms. Natalie of this fact and then promptly resumed "minding my own damned business." It is an odd circumstance indeed to see a large group of people in a condensed area all trying desperately "not to bother someone." Yet, it somehow all functions like a greased wheel. The director ponders the scene largely from a secure location via a monitor, the assistant director bellows orders, the cinematographer instructs the grip, the grip issues the communication to the crew, etc. Like a modern fiefdom. Nothing new I suppose, but it did prohibit the ultimate showdown from going down.

Spring In Vangroovey

Ah yes, here we are in that most momentous of occasions on this fair coast: spring! Heralded for certain by the arrival of the Japanese Ornamental Cherry blossoms you see in this photo taken mere footsteps from the doors of Image Engine and in fact, on my bike route to work. Quite spectacular for sure. In the often sunny, often wet, Vancouver months of April and May the city seems to be at its most colour-saturated and perhaps most beautiful. The evenings may not match the warmth and lingering light of July and August, but the mornings are nearly always stellar with the end of winter on the North Shore Mountains picking up the light of the sun like painted high-lights on a stage set.

My buddy James and I had a conversation one time while enjoying a late "summer" day in Los Angeles about how when spring arrives in Vancouver it comes with a "pow!" And really lifts people spirits. Very true, you can just see it in the way people hold themselves, though sometimes I wonder if that's just because of the rains of winter have subsided. Contrast does people a lot of psychological good I think. It is the great characteristic of some places that they do not allow people to become complacent. I think that the weather in Vancouver is one of these forces. Just when you begin to take the long "Indian Summer" for granted the cold north winds of November arrive, and just when January and February's oppressive begins to eat your soul you are magically lifted by the brilliance of "la primavera." Salud!

Walshman Digs In Deep!

At the suggestion of Vancouver real estate mogul Mike "Coach" Pearce, I decided to check out a town house development on the off chance that I might amidst the insanity known only as "the Vancouver real estate market" be able to afford to own reasonable housing. The next thing I know I am locked in a bidding war with lesbian parents of a new born. Is that possible? In East Vancouver it is! And that's why I love it! To make a long story short a strange set of circumstances lead to Meg and I deciding to place an offer on a 1200 square foot town house just off of Commercial Drive in East Vancouver. The first thing was that while shopping at the best independant grocer in Vancouver, Famous Foods on Kingsway and King Edward, I received a call from Coach Pearce encouraging me to check out a housing development just around the corner called "The Brix." As I made my way over there I ran into Victor and Julia from our birthing seminar, who as luck would have it live in the development! Not to mention that "Ms. Griffin" Meg's teaching partner Heather from Stratford Hall School also lives in the building. "Fate! It must be fate!" I told myself. Intelligent folks you know all chosing the same development? Must be... So we took a look with the assistance of Lynne Dequanne, Meg's aunt who is a dynamite real estate agent and loved the place except for... dum, dum, dum... for the small living room! After much humming and hawing we decided to elicit the help of Coach Pearce and his lovely wife Christine who came to "review the property" and who were very enthusiastic and gave up the proverbial "thumbs up!" So we went ahead with an offer and a day later we're home owners!

Having lived not far from this location for a number of years in the past, I knew I would love it. It is a true "up and coming" area of the city. But, what I didn't truly realise was just how much was going on in the area and the pace of development. Things are really ripping along in East Vancouver these days. Within eye-sight of our new home there are four other townhome developments in the works. It is crazy out there! I am really looking forward to seeing Mateo ripping about John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) and having Commercial Drive's diverse community within walking distance from my front door!

My Lovely Birthday Card!

Thanks so much to my sweet Meg and little gaffer Mateo for putting the time and effort in to create this beautiful birthday card. It is really beginning to feel "right" to be called "Papa!"

Walshman Gets Buddha!

I thought it might be a good idea to get myself my own little Buddha. What with all that spiritual turmoil lying about the place. Besides, they're all the rage these days. I strongly suggest you get one for yourself! Ah... The calmness and serenity.

GKR Coming To Town

Click here to read an article about San Francisco based Giant Killer Robots visual effects firm who have made the decision to open a satelite studio north of the 49th paralell! Another local option!

Raising A Ramone

Hey! Ho! Let's Go! Hey! Ho! Let's Go! Looks like Mateo has had a little too much Blitzkrieg Pop!

Yo! Walshman, what's the weather like?

Hmmm... Let's see. It seems to be raining. Yep, no doubt. It's raining. No, make that pouring. Coming down pretty hard actually. Cats and dogs, really, who's kidding who? Come to think of it, it was doing the same thing yesterday. In fact, it has been raining for so long now, I can't really recall when it actually started! My memory has blended the past two months into one single blue-grey, blurry, nebulous element. Where is the street? The people? I think I see something moving but I can't be sure! Is anyone out there in the abyss? Okay, calm down. I was thinking to myself "this is normal" I am just 'getting my gills back.' The Los Angelino azure is still lingering smoggily in my consciousness. But, no, time for reassessment. It is wet. It is really frickin' wet. And blowing a gale. And dark. Nocturnal, northern, damned dark, and saturated. Stinking humid. Saturated. Did I already say that? Okay. It is seriously wet out there people. Everything is one gigantic sponge wet. Robyn Hitchcock singing "the rain falls... Up from the ground!" wet. The Pacific Ocean attempting to transfer itself to dry land wet. Wrap yourself in a kilt to survive wet. Bloody Orks of Mordour arriving to the bloody gates of Helms Deep wet!

But wait! Lo! What is that glimmering golden orb on the horizon? A streak of light emanating from the beyond? Has the end finally come? Are we all to be ushered off the to the Land of Beulah? No, not yet at least. It is just the sun.

I already miss the rain...

My Son Mateo!

Well, it has taken me a week to find the time, but here he is nonetheless for all the world to see: William Mateo Peñafiel Walsh! A.K.A. Bebe Burrito, Tomateo or Mateito! Take your pick! He was born January 22nd, at 2:03 pm, after a strong 7 hour labour and weighed in at a hunk-o-burnin' love weight of 11 pounds 7 ounces! About 5.2 kilos for those of you living in the modern world. So, it appears that he will be a gentle giant like his brute of a Dad!

Here's the "birth story." Meg was blessed with a freight train of a labour which began at about 7am, when her waters broke and she immediately went into labour with strong contractions about 3-5 minutes apart. We were into Saint Paul's Hospital by about 8:15am after picking up Meg's mother who we had invited to be along for the ride. By 10am she was already 4cm dilated, and continued with good strong steady rhythm until about noon when she was 8.5 cm. By this time she had spent about half the labour walking, standing the latter half in a nice deep tub which helped immensely. Holding her hand while she experienced the contractions in the tub will be something I will always remember to draw encouragement from when times are tough. She was truly inspirational to me. The midwives then began to try to slow her down a bit, so that the last bit of dilation would go as planned, but before we knew it she was beingtransferredd to the bed so that she could begin to push little Mateo into the world. And what a job she did! I have never witnessed my Megcita be so courageous, without reservation or fear, and full of shear focus as I did on that bed. She literally willed Mateo into the world in 18 minutes! I was full of tears as his head emerged, and before I knew it he was there with us, plopped out onto Meg's chest and we were suddenly three!

Thus far the little big guy has been nothing but a pleasure. I think he thinks he is on holiday or something!? He sleeps and eats happily and he and Mom and I are spending days at home together getting to know each other. As strange as it may seem, now that he is here, I simply can't imagine what we did without him?

The Age of Aquarious Begins! Long Live The Aquarian!

Any Time Now!

Well, we are definitely into that time of the pregnancy where we are "waiting with baited breath." Meg was officially "due" yesterday. We had a trip to the midwife that was all positive for both Meg and baby. It is totally normal for first time mothers to carry their babies a little over due. So we are remarkably chilled out about it all at this stage. A friend told me "you both look like you have submitted to accepting your new future." And I guess that's very true. At this stage every little change brings about the phrase "could this be it?" And I think in our case the midwife just pointed out that Meg doesn't look all that "uncomfortable" yet and that's generally a sign that she is still a few days off. It is amazing to see just exactly how stuffed she looks and especially in Meg's case where she has literally only gained weight in her belly. She looks like she is hanging a freakin' pumpkin off the front! And yet the midwives say things like "it feels like there is still a lot of room in there!" Huh? One thing I have noticed that is really amazing is how "small" women's worlds become the further and further along they get in the pregnancy. It is like the world is closing in around them, the things they care about being the most immediate direct things around them. This manifests itself in the particular in the well known and much talked about need to "nest" in the home, but it is really stunning to see how focused your partner becomes. If anything, this extra waiting time has given us a chance to continue to adjust to our new reality! We have had a lot of support from friends and family over the past few months, and it really has made coming home to Vancouver such a great thing. So, I say "bring on the chaos man!"

"I find myself missing Vancouver more and more these days."

A friend of mine south of the border said that to me a while back. No, really! It is true I am a well known verbose fan of Vancouver. Even occasionally masochistically! For example, I was very disappointed recently when a brilliant sunny day ruined the city's chances of breaking a record going back to 1952 for most consecutive days with measurable rainfall - a mark of a true Vancouverite I thought. The statement still caused me to reflect a bit because I myself have just returned to this fair rainy twilight coast. So, if you find yourself muttering the above statement these days... Don't fret! You might want to pick yourself up a copy of this book just to tide you over if you are far afield. And remember, you know, but you're not alone in this regard! There seems to be a growing sentiment of this kind... Especially amongst my work friends. My friend James and I had many, many, conversations while working together in Los Angeles that perhaps people were just getting to that age, or time in their careers, where the intangibles outside the studio were beginning to count for more and more. I mean, it is not that people don't like other west coast places in North America like San Francisco (or L.A. surprisingly!) but there seems to be a remaining appeal to ole Vangroovey that people don't shake easily. Whereas people seem to "grow out of" L.A. or where-ever else. Is it because there is a feeling that Vancouver as a place is "growing along with you?" I wonder if Portland is more like Vancouver in this regard? Who knows? Since coming back, after three years in "bigger places," (San Francisco, Madrid, London, Los Angeles) I think that I have figured it out. Quite simply, aside from lack of a particular job opportunity (like say, Pixar in my industry, the top job or whatever in your respective industry) living in Vancouver is just kinda "better." Cheaper cost of living (though still high by Canadian standards - after all it is the San Francisco of Canada!), very diverse, multicultural, and so tolerant (much more so than even San Francisco), no guns! (relatively speaking, but hey! at least our Prime Minister is actively campaigning on "a total ban of hand guns"), politicians who can actually speak lucidly(no kidding!), way less 'religiosity' (in fact the near total absense of religious programming on television is a shock in comparison to the U.S.) a much greater sense of social well being, etc. Hence, I may say things like "I miss my social life in London." Or "even though I had an amazing job in L.A. I only really miss the dry roads." Or "I would love to live in San Francisco for a "stint" again." However, saying all that "I would NEVER trade them for Vancouver." Canada in general seems a more welcoming, less arrogant place than many in my opinion. And Vancouver really seems to be "becoming something." I don't mind the rain as some people do... I grew up in it, and it never did me any harm. Though Meg and I still plan on living in Spain temporarily at times throughout life. Ah yes, but you're still thinking about the work. I have come to realize that we have to work hard to change the "work opportunity problem" ourselves. We can't sit back and "just hope someone does something about it." The opportunities to create a Pixar are long gone, maybe even the opportunities to create a WETA are gone, but nonetheless there is 'net growth' in the computer graphics industry. I am under no illusions about my own "level," and thus I realize the imperative for a team. So it is all about creating the opportunity to do good work, in a way that we who have spent time away from this place have learned to do it, with that team... The answer to "how?" still remains fiction. We'll see.

Feature Animation Coming To Town?

Click here to read an article about the feature animation "Space Chimps," being produced by Vanguard Animation (who also gave us "Valiant" last year). There are some rumours that the production is going to settle down in Vancouver for the next couple of years. I would be interested in knowing if anyone out there knows more! Pretty exciting. Aside from both Nitrogen and Bardel Animation producing some elements of "Happily N'Ever After" in town last year (I believe the film was finished by the Berliner Film Group), I don't recall anyone ever completing a full length theatrical feature animation production in Vancouver. So, doubly interesting then, given that it will be a first. Let's see what happens on this one!