Night at the Museum in theaters this week!

Hey all, Merry Christmas! I've lost track of time out here but just realized that it is in fact XMas season. And my next film hits theaters this Friday. It's really the first one I modeled on at Rhythm and Hues and was a ton of fun to work on.

Here's a shot I found online of the Mammoth that I modeled. A buddy of mine did the Zbrush on him but I did the rest. The early reviews are mixed but oh well, I didn't write it. I won't get to see if for a bit cause films take longer to release out here so let me know what you think.

Have a great Holiday.

Whale Pictures!

Hey all,

So a few people at work were lucky enough to see the orcas yesterday too and had their camera with them. Here are the images.

Enjoy.

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Whale of a Day!

So today as I was riding my bike home from work, fighting the insane wind that we had today, I looked over to my right out into the water as I do, and spotted a large black fin peaking out of the water. I pulled over to get a better look and just as I did I saw the head of an orca surface to blow out a huge spray of water from it's blowhole. Shortly after other locals showed up snapping photos. Ironically I did get my camera today at work and had it in my pocket on the ride home but it has no batteries, perfect. Oh well, one of the locals said I'll for sure see them again. I only saw 1 or 2, but apparently there were about 5 at one point. Not a bad evening in Karaka Bay.

Cheers.

Happy Holidays....

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season, I'll try to post more pictures when I get 'em, but most likely that won't be until after that road trip in a few weeks. Other then that, progress on the Maya book I've been editing on my free time is going well, looks like it will be out sometime in the first part '07.

We just had our Christmas/Year End Wrap Party last week at work and what a blast! It was nice getting the whole company together since we're normally to busy to see each other and the fact that most of us work in different buildings. For me though, it was nice to just hang with everyone outside of work and get to know everyone a little better. Friday we exchange our Secret Santa gifts..... come on video iPod (fingers crossed).

And I'm going to have my first official visitor at the end of February. My girlfriend is going to visit for 2 weeks, and rightfully so that she be the first :) We're currently planning a South Island trip at the moment, filled with whale watching, glacier hiking, and white water rafting, doesn't sound to bad huh? I can't wait! You guys have to act quick though and contact me soon because other people are planning trips too and my available dates are fading quickly (as will the good weather,) and you don't wanna miss this place, trust me.

All the best!

Week 2-ish

So I'm finally starting to get settled in. The latest highlight is that finally moved into my house last Saturday and oh my god is it nice. I posted the pix as you've seen, very nice…. The best part has to be waking up to that view and sleeping each night hearing the ocean crashing against the rocks across the street. It’s hard to not like New Zealand. Certain friends of mine are asking if I’ll ever come back, ofcourse I will, I’ll be home next year for the holidays. Now if I’m coming back after that, well, that will have to be determined at a later date. Many factors will be in play though.

So, today we got our internet set up at home that’s good, let the Skype-ing begin. Funny cause it only took 2 days and people hear some of the worst horror stories about getting online, guess we got lucky. If you do use Skype or want to, email me for my screen name if you want to start chatting. (www.skype.com)

I also started to get settled at work. Now that I have all the mundane tasks taken care of, banking/housing, I can actually spend the whole day modeling. I am learning so much already, I’m surrounded by some of the best in the business and it’s really motivating. I feel like Neo when he gets plugged into the Matrix for the first time. I just learned a new UV package last week, Cysclice. Similar to Unfold 3D but 100X better. Plus this week we have our Weta Xmas party so that should be a blast, they rented out some hotel/bar on the waterfront downtown, I’ll post pix if I get my camera in time. Then we all get 2 weeks off for holiday. Simon and I are taking that opportunity to take a road trip tour of the North Island. Again, more pix to follow. Well, think that’s all for now. Keep writing and posting me, helps me not feel so far away.

:)

What the Hobbit is Going On?

In case you haven't been following the news regarding Peter Jackson and his "rejection" from directing the prequel to Lord of the Rings...here's a link to an article someone just sent out at work. Looks like it will be a looooooong drawn out process. Hopefully in the end, everyone will get what they want.

You can also stay up to date on the official LotR fan site: www.theonering.net

My New Home

This weekend I move into my new place. It's an amazing 4-bedroom house right on the water. Fully furnished including breath-taking views of the harbor and neighboring hills. I have a few photos of the place that the landlord showed me from the previous tenants. Yeah, I know, I'm really lucky.

Thinking of visiting, well...you may want to think a little harder once you see this place. And we certainly have extra room for you to stay, you can even have your own bedroom. Take a look at these photos, you may want to reconsider.

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