Shannon Thomas Online Portfolio

Avatar wins Best Picture/Director at the Golden Globes!!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:35:00 +0000

Early Reviews are Strong!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Early reviews are rolling in after the London Premier and so far so good...

"Movie magic is back!" proclaimed the usually even-keeled critic, before going on to explain why. "As with everything in 'Avatar,' Cameron has coolly thought things through. ... The screen is alive with more action and the soundtrack pops with more robust music than any dozen sci-fi shoot-'em-ups you care to mention. ... Not a minute is wasted; there is no down time. The only question is: How will Cameron ever top this?"

At Variety, chief critic Todd McCarthy was almost equally enthusiastic, calling out the picture's "unique spectacle," "breathtaking sights" and "narrative excitement," though he offered a few qualifiers as well, noting, for example, "foggy" politics.

At The Independent, Anna Keir offered that while the movie can be "overwhelming," it was "highly entertaining, " and she touted the picture as "rich in action" and "beautiful to watch."

The most lukewarm take came from the Associated Press, which drew a distinction between the movie's visual elements and its narrative ones. Reviewer Jake Coyle called Cameron's effort "a movie whose effects are clearly revolutionary [and] a spectacle that millions will find adventure in. But it nevertheless feels unsatisfying and somehow lacks the pulse of a truly alive film."

The mood in the room at the Los Angeles theater where the film screened for media and tastemakers Thursday night was strong -- though, perhaps given the presence of so many jaded types (many were people who see four or five movies per week) -- not Comic-Con electric. The length may also have something to do with that -- though, surprisingly, given the 2-hour, 40-minute running time, the movie flies by faster than, well, a banshee.

Avatar Poster Unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:08:00 +0000

James Cameron Article

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:52:00 +0000

Here's a great article in the New Yorker about my boss of the past 3 years! Read it here. He's definitely one in a million.

We've got a few weeks left to finish, the trailer comes out today in theaters and next week online, the initial reaction has been very positive, I'm so excited and proud of the work and can't wait to watch it with all my friends and family on Dec. 18th.

AVATAR DAY - Fan Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Hey guys,

Well, after 3 years of work on James Cameron's Avatar finally the public has seen a glimpse of what we've been doing down here in NZ for the past 3 years. And I'm just having a blast reading all the comments from fans now that they've had a glimpse of AVATAR in 3D. I've never worked on a film of this level of hype let alone something that there had a countdown clock for the teaser trailer. So yeah, that trailer...it was a teaser and although I liked it, I really think that FOX should have shown the trailer after the 3D Screenings, and I understand the let down that some people are expressing. After all, they were promised to see something they've never experienced before, a game changer in cinema, well it's hard to get that from a minute and half long teaser trailer viewed on your monitor, but, now that people have seen the 15 minute screening in IMAX 3D, the mind blowing reactions are rolling in.

One of my favorites is from A@ronw marketSaw3D:

Im in love with this movie so far lol. Ok, so because I got there so early I was actually the first in line at the Dallas Texas IMAX showing. It was fun talking with other fans in line about what we were about to see.The footage was..... Breathtaking. Totally realistic and totally incredible. I bought every second of it. Now I loved the trailer in the first place, and I can understand some peoples opinions of how some shots looked CG. but seeing more interaction between the characters definitely raises the bar to the next level and doesn't come close to the trailer. The fluidity and motion was of Jake's Avatar was PERFECT. The bio luminescent forest was beautiful. My brother actually got chocked up for a second on more than one scene seeing how beautiful it was! Someone else said "this is going to be the best movie of all time". The music that plays on the Avatar website is what is playing when Jake lays onto the lab bed, just something I noticed. Amazing facial animation, you experience what they experience and feel what they feel. The overall depth of the movie is crazy. It just feels like another world completely and its hard to describe, so I wont lol Seeing him wrestle with the banshee had me on edge for some reason. I don't know it just sort of draws you in to the scene cause it feels incredibly real. I can say 100% now in full honesty, that all the haters out there calling it cartoony and fake and "Epic Fail" are literally, and I mean literally wrong. There is no such thing as opinion on this subject, there is only fact, and the fact is that this movie will be awesome. Oh yeah, the 3d was outstanding lol. I totally forgot about it cause there was so much to look at and take in.James Cameron has done it again. But this time, at least from the 15 minute footage, It is a perfect emotional masterpiece that I cant wait to experience again : )

ps. Saw G.I Joe afterwards because we were already at the theater with nothing better to do. Ill say this much, after seeing Avatar, G.I Joe is what I used to wipe my butt after Avatar made me crap my pants.

Lovely Bones Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:18:00 +0000

Hey all,

Here is the link to the latest film that I worked on, Peter Jackson's Lovely Bones. I'm very proud of this film in particular because of the team of people that made it happen and I really like how the story makes you question your perception of life and death.

It will be out on December 11th in the States and I hope you all enjoy it.

Comic Con Update

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Yesterday at Comic Con in San Diego, Avatar was premiered to the public for the first time. There are too many responces to post here but the overall gist was that it was extremely well received. There are some video clips below of Cameron introducing the 24 minutes he showed them and some Q&A.

http://marketsaw.blogspot.com/2009/07/avatar-panel-vids.html

The other interesting bit of news was that he announced that on Aug. 21st, not only will the trailer be out, but, he's letting the public watch 15 minutes of the film in IMAX 3D for free! I'm not sure yet how this works, how you get a ticket or what not but if you get the opportunity, go see it!

Other then that, the film will be out Dec. 18th and I hope to see it with as many people as I can. I've been working on this film for 3 years now and I simply cannot wait for everyone to see what we've been doing out here in New Zealand.

Back in NZ, and How about them Penguins!!!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:24:00 +0000

Hey all,

I've been away for a bit and just had an amazing 3 week trip back to the States. The main purpose of the trip was to go to my brother's wedding but we were able to also take a week long cruise of Alaska and spent a week catching up with friends and family in California.

The wedding was awesome, on the beach in North Carolina near Myrtle Beach. I'll post some pix up here later or link to my facebook once I upload some. It was just so nice to spend time with Jessica and my family in a warm climate, relaxing on the beach, making sandcastles and I got to play a few rounds of golf as well.

Alaska is as beautiful as you can imagine and the highlight of that trip was seeing a baby humpbacked whale jump out of the water as it played with some seals. And man, Alaskan King Crab and Salmon just tastes better in Alaska.

One of the other highlights of the trip was getting watch the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in one of the best series' ever with my family. It was perfect, we found a Pittsburgh Bar in Myrtle Beach and watched them win game 6 and then game 7 at home went down to the wire.

In other news, James Cameron recently played 24 minutes of Avatar to a large film Expo in Amsterdam, you can read what the public thought here. Overall it went extremely well.

K, that's all for now, I'll try and post some photos soon.

First Glimpse of Lovely Bones

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:09:00 +0000

HEAVENLY CREATURE: Saoirse Ronan - as Susie Salmon in heaven - the first image from Peter Jackson's next film The Lovely Bones.

The world has got its first glimpse of heaven, or at least the version according to Kiwi movie director Peter Jackson.
Jackson's heaven has been revealed in the first official image from his next film, The Lovely Bones, due to be released in New Zealand on Boxing Day. (Dec.11th in the U.S.)

(read more)

Peter Jackson: 'Lovely Bones' Interview

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:42:00 +0000

Peter Jackson has made his name with big-budget, special-effects heavy films such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong. He tackles a more personal story with the adaption of the book The Lovely Bones. The director discussed the film, out Dec. 11, via e-mail with USA TODAY.

My New Co-Worker, I'm Back to School, and New Zealand Residency ...

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:32:00 +0000

After almost a year to the day she moved here, my girlfriend was offered a production coordinator position at Weta Digital. We couldn't be happier because she is getting back into the film industry and moving closer to her goal of becoming a producer. If that alone isn't good enough, we'll even be working at the same building to boot.

Back to school, back to school, to prove to my dad that I'm not a fool. This semester I'm working as a Directed Study Advisor for a graduate student at my former university, The Academy of Art. I felt I've now been working long enough to begin to give somethng back and try to help students out as so many helped me along the way. I really enjoy it thus far and think it will be something that I continue to do for semesters to come.

Lastly, after being in this wonderful country for a little over 2 years, I'm now a permanent resident! It took the most intense applicaton process ever but both myself and my girlfriend are now able to come and go as we please, work without a visa and enjoy free healthcare. Originally I did this as a backup plan incase McCain won the election but now it's my economic disaster plan B. Regardless I'm proud to be a resident of this little pristine island on the southern hemisphere and encourage anyone to take advantage of some amazing travel deals of late and pay us a visit.

Christmas Update...with photos!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:11:00 +0000

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season, we just started our 2 week break over here in Kiwi Land.

Last week The Day the Earth Stood opened to pretty poor reviews. I saw it last night, eh, it had it's moments. The main parts I worked on where the stadium destruction and the F22's that fly buy in a few frames :-) It doesn't compare to the original but it still is a fun popcorn movie.

Our Christmas Tree is decorated and the presents sent from family oversees are all under the tree. We're getting ready for our first Christmas together and first in Wellington. This was the sunset the night we decorated our tree:

We're fostering kittens once again and that is just too much fun. We just play with them and the SPCA supplies us with all the food and litter, how cool is that? Important note: Everything is less stressful when you have a kitten sleeping on your lap.

We spent a few days last week on the South Island with my girlfriend's parents. We had a blast, we ate at some amazing restaurants and enjoyed New Zealand's finest wines. I can't wait to get my family out here hopefully next year.

Well, that's all for now...

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!!!

Jon Favreau Call Avatar "The Future"

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:51:00 +0000

Jon Favreau is another filmmaker who has really solidified his place in the cinematic world in directing Iron Man earlier this year. He's returning for Iron Man 2, which is a relief, but looking towards the future, the door is open for so much more. Instead of dwelling on Iron Man 2, though, Quint from Ain't It Cool News talked with Favreau in a recent interview about nearly everything else besides the sequel. And one area I was particularly interested in was his thoughts on James Cameron's Avatar, since he's one of the lucky few who has seen a few finished scenes from the film. "He's trying to present this format in a way where it is a game-changer and in seeing it I think it's the future," Favreau explains.

Read the full article here.

James Cameron talks about his career, Avatar

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Vacation Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:53:00 +0000

We've just recently returned from our lastest 3 week trip to Hawaii, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. Click on the links to see our photos.

Some of the highlights were:

Hawaii - Snorkling in Molokini, took a bike ride down haleakala crater, surfing in Waikiki, shark diving in Oahu, golfing at fabulous Kapalua, driving around the island, relaxing in the sand and sun.

Pittsburgh - 4th of July Golf Trip to OglebayGolf Resort in West Virginia, visiting Fallingwater, catching up with family and friends.

San Francisco - visiting Lucas Animation at Skywalker Ranch, Jessica's Birthday in Napa Valley, Roger and Carrie's Wedding.

This was the first vacation where it actually felt longer then the 3 weeks we spent back home. I'm back now in New Zealand, back to work with all my friends. Jess gets back in a week.

Life is good.

Trailer : The Day The Earth Stood Still

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:03:00 +0000

Here is the first trailer for a new film I've been working on. I helped with the Giants Stadium destruction scene. This film is a remake of the classic 1951 version and comes out in December.

Enjoy.

Inside the Weta Cave

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:34:00 +0000

The Weta Cave screens a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. We give you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta.

In the mini-museam, you come face to face with some of the characters, props and displays from your favourite movies. Read the stories of how they were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Entry to the Weta Cave with its museum and film screening is absolutely free.

Watch the video interview with Richard Taylor here.

Weta Talks Prince Caspian

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:21:00 +0000

Here's the link to a recent article discussing some of our work for Price Caspian. And I found this image online which is of the white witch sequence that I worked on.

Zoe Saldana : Avatar Interview

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:54:00 +0000

Recently Zoe Saldana, the female lead in Avatar, was interviewed about her experience with the film. She hints on her training, working for James Cameron, Weta, and the 3 minute clip she's seen on the film. Read it here.

PJ and Del Toro Discuss The Hobbit

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sun, 25 May 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro answered live questions from fans in a huge chat event this morning. Close to 6,000 fans asked almost 4,000 questions before the chat started and then asked another one quoestion per second during the hour the chat was running.

Prince Caspian Hits Theaters!!!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sun, 18 May 2008 08:06:00 +0000

Reviews are in for the Narnia Sequel and so far it's been well reveived. It hasn't openned yet down here and we haven't had our Weta screening yet so let me know if you see it and what you think.

Here are a few Reviews:
IMDB
Movies.com
RottenTomatoes

It's Official: Del Toro to Direct Hobbit Films, Weta to do the Effects!!!

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:34:00 +0000

Today it was announced that director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth) will direct both Hobbit films. Peter Jackson broke the news today in Hollywood and with remain executive Producer and New Line Cinema will oversee production of both films. Del Toro will be moving to New Zealand for the next 4 years so apparently, Weta will be doing the effects.

Read the full article here.

New Prince Caspian Trailer Online

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:22:00 +0000

There is a new Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian trailer online. Just in time before the film hits theaters on May 16th.

They even included some of the new ice shots.

See it here.

Sydney, Australia

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:41:00 +0000

Jessica and I just got back from a long weekend trip to Sydney, as we always do... we had a wonderful time. I had bought her tickets to the Jack Johnson concert as a Christmas present so we've been waiting for a while to go.

We only had 4 days but we cramed in as much as we possibly could. First thing, the weather there is perfect, it was like Southern California or Florida. Other then the concert, we took a day trip to the scenic Blue Mountains, visited the Aquarium, went to a comedy show at the Opera House, spent some time with a few of her friends at Manly Beach, and also did a little surfing at the famous Bondi Beach.

Sydney is just gorgeous, it's kinda like Aukland, San Diego and San Fancisco combined, but the buildings have a unique style of architecture and I love their public transportation system. We definately wanna go back, possibly this year for New Years.

Hope all is well with everyone else out there.

:-)

Some Recent Work...

noreply@blogger.com (shannon_thomas) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:49:00 +0000

Two new trailers have come out that I've recently worked on. One is the new Narnia film, "Prince Caspian," and the other is "Jumper."

For Narnia is modeled the ice wall along with my buddy Florian. It came out alright after a lot of back and forth and although it's only seen here for a few frames, it's in the film quite a bit. "Caspian" comes out in theaters on May 16th.

For "Jumper" I modeled the digital double character Griffin. The character teleports throughout the whole movie so it actually gets quite a bit of air time. Nothing too complex but it was fun to do. This film stars Samuel Jackson, Hayden Christiansen, Diane Lane and Jamie bell. It comes out on February 14th.