Big Thanks to Pixar + OMSI

Thanks to Pixar artists Keith Klohn and Michael O’Brien for making the quick trip up from the bay and wowing us with all things Coco.  I’m told this was one of those “landmark” presentations that will keep we Portlanders reeling for months…  years!  So much incredible artwork, characters, and the usual airtight Pixar story that we’ve almost come to expect by this stage – Coco is one to take time out and appreciate.  I was SO glad we could arrange this visit.  Of the many emails I received following the event, one very excited young FX artist exclaimed that “it was so great to see such complex Houdini networks and such intricate animation work on that level.”   Inspiration!

A big thanks is also due to Chris Roth of The Other House and his associates Michael Miller and Brian Smith for showing off their work on the package for the Emmys Awards show, in all it’s glittery glory.  This was a great project that put part of the brain trust of Portland to work, and it was great to see it detailed.  Thanks to the team for donating the time to the cause!

This event was made possible largely due to sponsorship from SideFX, who’s excellent Houdini software helped create many of the FX you saw within Coco.

Another thank you is due to Melony Beaird of OMSI for covering for me while I was out of town, assisting with arrangements, MC duties and the Q&A.

Last but not least, thanks to YOU for coming out and being a part of the sellout crowd!  I’m told there was not an open seat in the house, and for a theater the size of the Empirical Theater at OMSI, that’s saying something!  The interest, energy, and support present in droves is what makes larger scale events like this possible and we will most definitely do it again.  And soon.  Until next time!