DISQUS

Fred Seibert · 9 months ago

Gotta disagree with you here Floyd. No slam on KFP which was just fine, thank you, but I think the shutout was more about organization of votes by Dreamworks than anything else. I'll bet a nickel that more Dreamworks employees and affiliates voted than anyone else. It's the studio's right, of course, to work the system the best they can, however, I wouldn't be thinking it has anything to do with the way the community actually ranks the pictures.

John P. Jones · 9 months ago

Amen , Fred. The fact that the KFP was actually in the television category was pretty atrocious. Yes the short had a right to be there, but it used a prefabricated style from the motion picture. You're weighing years of feature development againt months of tv production. A little unfair if you ask me.

Shame on the Annie committee for not knowing any better.

floydbishop · 9 months ago

So Pixar loses and the fix is in? I thought it won because it was a great film.

Fred Seibert · 9 months ago

Floyd, I don't think I mentioned Pixar, yes? Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me who wins (I've never been much for awards, unless we win them, of course!). Just pointing out that when it's a clean sweep, especially in a year like this with a few strong pictures and nominees in many categories, I'm surprised when a sophisticated observer like you doesn't show even a smidgen of skepticism. No offense against Dreamworks and the hundreds of talented folks who worked hard on a good movie.

floydbishop · 9 months ago

I guess I'm not up on how the Annie awards are voted on, or could be swayed one way or another based on what a studio wants.

floydbishop · 9 months ago

I just found this quote from Stephen Worth over at The Animation Guild's website:

"ASIFA-Hollywood's membership currently numbers 4,000, and all of the major studios provide memberships for their staff. There's no imbalance involved here. Besides, most people in the animation business have worked for several of the studios at one time or another. They vote their conscience for the film or individual that they consider to be the best choice, not party line.

ASIFA-Hollywood is a neutral ground between studios. Membership is open to anyone who would like to get involved. It isn't fair to ASIFA to suggest that the results are "stacked" in anyone's favor, and it isn't fair to the honorees, many of whom are Individual Achievement winners, to suggest that they don't deserve to be recognized for their work."

Eric Homan · 9 months ago

The studios providing membership is a large part of the problem toward the credibility issue, I think. The businesses are paying for your right to vote. Also, I've always felt a few of the categories, like storyboarding, would be better off juried, especially since ASIFA membership is "open to anyone".

Fred Seibert · 9 months ago

Jeez, I should just keep my mouth shut.

I agree with Steve, theoretically. But, I've worked on all sides of this issue --with an organization running a show, with a company who wants to win-- and I know that some companies are better than others at "workin' it" in their favor. Most of the studios don't work it hard, but a few do.

There nothing unethical, illegal, or even wrong with them workin' it. It's just that I like it when we all know what's going on and keep it in mind.

ElliotCowan · 9 months ago

I voted 94 times for Kung Fu Panda and received $3.50 for each vote.

Fred Seibert · 9 months ago

Gee, I got $3.75.

ElliotCowan · 9 months ago

Nice.
I believe they'll use the funds to buy an Oscar.