Janimation

Author

Janimation, Inc. is a production studio based in Dallas, Texas. It was co-founded in 1993 by CEO and Chief Creative Director, Stephen Gaconnier. A pioneer company, Janimation has been on the leading edge of animation, VFX and visual storytelling for 24 years and is now immersed in defining new worlds of engagement in the Virtual Reality space.

Production / Virtual Reality

Janimation Adds Chris Rodriguez as Executive Producer

Janimation Posted On March 3, 2021

Signing with Janimation as Executive Producer, Director | Producer | Filmmaker; Chris Rodriguez brings 15 years of diverse experience in video and animation production. Small startups to Fortune 500 companies have trusted Chris to communicate their stories in authentic and original ways. His portfolio includes work for the Dallas Cowboys, Pfizer, TCU, IBM, Red Bull, Coca-Cola, Sinclair Oil, Nike Golf, Cavender’s, Mrs. Baird’s, and the State Fair of Texas.

Chris will take over EP duties for Janimation from Steve Gaçonnier to free him up for Directing and continuing VR game development through Janimation VR. Janimation is still committed to producing top-tier quality work for agencies, corporate, film, game, and independent clientele.

Gaconnier stated, “His 40-yard dash time is atrocious, and his lateral agility leaves a lot to be desired, but like Tom Brady, the guy has it between the ears. His experience, paired with his ability to manage various production teams, and keep cool under pressure, will be a huge benefit to our organization and our clients.”

Chris will bring his producing talents to both sides of Janimation; animation and live-action video production. With this addition, the reinforcement of resources and aesthetic styles Janimation can execute are endless. We are stoked to have Rodriguez lead our team. We hope you all will give him a warm welcome, i.e., reply to his emails and take his calls.

Check out Chris’s work here.

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Coronavirus

Join Janimation in Donating Your Computer’s Processing Power to Help Combat Coronavirus!

Janimation Posted On March 30, 2020

This virus is sweeping the globe, pushing large portions of the world into isolation at both the national and personal level, but the global community is coming together through the Folding@Home network to fight back by furthering research into possible cures or vaccines. This consists of using your computer to complete small chunks of much larger problems, thus giving researchers access to an unprecedented amount of compute horsepower.

As of last Monday, March 23rd, Janimation has been utilizing their computer processing power to help combat the coronavirus. They have installed Folding@home on their workstations which will then perform molecular simulations of protein dynamics.

Steve Gaçonnier explains, you can easily setup your personal computer or your kids gaming computer to be a part of this impactful effort. We encourage each of you to add your home and work computers immediately and join us in making a difference.

Join the Janimation team by adding you computers to our Team Number 249282

Download the app and start folding here.

Stats can be seen here.

Read about Folding@home here.

Please share this post!

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Animation

Janimation & Propac Develop Thermography Imagery for Doritos Blaze Campaign

Janimation Posted On April 25, 2018

Maybe you’ve done some cool stuff with thermography before? Maybe you’re ex-military? Perhaps you just worked on an innovative concept for Doritos Blaze? If your answer is ‘no,’ you just might learn something by reading below.

Nah, you are probably too busy. Don’t look at it.

The innovative concept was the brainchild of Propac. Not familiar? Propac is a fully integrated brand activation agency with over 25 years of experience! Their client Frito-Lay wanted to make sure everyone knew just how hot their new Doritos Blaze chips are.

So… Propac went to work on developing three spots for a Doritos Blaze campaign. When the scripts arrived at Janimation, we were absolutely blown away by the concept. Thus, the evil grins and R&D began for this unique production.

Janimation immediately jumped in with a FLIR camera system and began tests. FLIR, which stands for Forward Looking Infrared was invented in our own backyard by Texas Instruments in 1963. Maybe that fact will be the winning answer on HQ Live and you can share the winnings with us?

Steve Gaconnier, CEO, Janimation, supervises production.

“Directing a unique project like this was an unusual opportunity,” said Steve Gaçonnier. “Standard production decisions required a radically different way of thinking and preparation. What looks good in traditional video does not translate to thermography.”
“It was a refreshing challenge,” said Gaçonnier. “Casting, location, wardrobe, props, lighting,hair and makeup… all of the main ingredients for a live action shoot prescribed a unique way of thinking every step of the way for everyone involved.”

FUN FACTS:

What you see is not what you get when shooting with this technology. As you can see from the camera test above, a great deal of detail is lost because the sensor is dealing with a wide range of temperatures. For instance, the wall in the back is the exact same temperature as the logo on the wall. Because of this, they blend and make the logo disappear.

Thermography Camera Test

Meanwhile, metal surfaces act like a mirror by reflecting heat signatures, and glass, such as on the refrigerator, becomes an opaque material and blocks visibility of the interior props. All together, this was an interesting challenge.

And our answer to that challenge was, primarily, heat guns.

Hot In Herre video, UK BTS thermography mix – yes, two r’s

Lighting was used sparingly, while painting with heat guns ruled the day. The heat helped pick out the fine details that set the scene, from wall trim to vending machine buttons.

The FLIR captured the heat, but Janimation’s final touch turned the footage into red-hot, Dorito’s branded awesomeness.

Everyone agrees- this production was a unique experience that no one will forget.

Credits
The Propac team included Creative Director Kelly Farquar, Copywriter Alan McCoy, Account Director Lauren Gibbon-Hein, Account Executive Stephanie Schmid and Agency Producer Sammie Krepp.

Additional Janimation Credits include: Camera Op Joel Braby, Art Director
Jordan Murphy, Set Build Sinisa Kinaflec, Script Notes Lindsey Wakefield
Compositing and Color Steve Palaia, Designer Dave Sisk, Editor Laurie McNair

Other fun things happening at Janimation include their Virtual Reality hot air balloon ride. Check out the below and learn more about VRBalloons.

Watch Janimation’s VR Balloon video…

Check out AdChat DFW’s Editorial Spotlight on it as well.

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Events

Chilanthropy 2017 a Great Success for NTFB & Dream Fund | Check out Winners

Janimation Posted On December 14, 2017

Chilanthropy collected about 200 cans of food, plus a monetary donation totaling 766 meals for the North Texas Food Bank and raised $7,400 for DREAM Fund!
Thank you to all the ad agencies, media companies, and associations who participated in the 5th annual Chilanthropy.

Here are the 2017 WINNERS!

Chilanthropy Winners
1st Place… CBS/KTVT/KTXA
2nd Place… Outfront Media
3rd Place… Commerce House

Peoples Choice
1st Place… The Integer Group
2nd Place… Commerce House
3rd Place… Southwest Media Group

Other Mentions
David Ault’s Golden Spoon Award
CBS/KTVT/KTXA

Best of Show
1st – Integer – Chili Con Carnage
2nd – Spectrum/NCC – Chilympics
3rd – The Marketing Arm – Johnny Cash

Click on the link below to see photos and tag your team on Facebook! Don’t forget to Share!

Want to stay in the know for Chilanthropy 2018? Follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss out on updates.

Let’s give it up for our amazing sponsors!

Ascend Insurance
Bryan Norfolk
CBS
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Stars
Deep Cuts Butcher Shop
DREAM FUND Board Members
Gander Mountain
Jack Reed and the Alpha Dogs Band
Janimation
Kaelin Bruzzone
KNON
Lone Star Park
Mario Guajardo
Mild Bill’s Spices
MPS
Pinky Diablo
Poo~Pourri
Rahr Beer Co.
Richard Wincorn
Sandone Productions inc.
Starbucks
Sun & Ski
Surprise Judge Donations
Taste of Cuba
The State Fair of Texas
Univision
Whole Earth Provision

Congratulations CBS/KTVT/KTXA!

The DREAM Fund, NTFB, and Janimation thank you for making a difference. We also want to send a special Thank You to the following people who donated their time and resources.

Tom Sale
Debbo O’Neal
Eliza Arce
Diego Arce
Teresa Novak
Jim Novak
Don Clampitt
Lindsey Dobbs-Cloud
Mike Sandone
Farrah Ried
Steve Wellman
Robin Cox
Kathy Sparks
Juleann Pasqualini
Steph McCallister
Brynn Pusha
Steve Palaia
Lindsey Wakefield
Joel Braby
Dave Sisk
Mike Sandone
Melodie Cottingham
Michael Ray
Ragen Gore
Chris Rodriguez
Gaby Medina

Steve & Kristy Gaconnier
JP Gaconnier
Emma Gaconnier
Spencer Gaconnier
Paul Monroe
Brian Teague
Jordan Murphy
Mario Guajardo
Robert Curlin
Alan Hare
Jerry Joiner
Nowell Upham
Jose Tellez
Dominick Farriella
Kathy Bennett
Brad Cook
Stephanie Campos
Kelly Spice Mistress
Gary Brignon
Mellissa Bourstrom
Bobby Jones
Will Clarke
Troy Geeseman
Christina Rhoades
Mark Mundy
David Pippin

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE
HOLIDAY SEASON!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR FOR

CHILANTHROPY 2018!

Founded in 1991, by Shirley Ward, DREAM Fund provides financial assistance and emotional support to advertising, public relations and media professionals whose lives have been impacted by severe hardship. DREAM Fund has chapters in five states, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Every year, DREAM Fund helps 40-50 people.

Chilanthropy is dedicated to raising money for DREAM Fund, and filling boxes of food for the North Texas Food Bank before the holidays.

We can’t wait to see you again next year for Chilanthropy 2018!

Copyright © 2017 Janimation, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are friends with Janimation Studios.

Our mailing address is:
Janimation, Inc.
10118 Cayuga Drive #2
Dallas, TX 75228

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Chilanthropy

It’s Chilanthropy Cook-Off Time | Enter Your Team Now!

Janimation Posted On October 3, 2017

Janimation Hosts 5th Annual Cook-Off November 18th

Howdy chili-heads! It’s time to sign up for the throw down for the crown!

Janimation Studios is proud to present our 5th annual Chilanthropy! Proceeds benefit DREAM fund and North Texas Food Bank.
Registration for chili competition is now open.

Sign your team up on Eventbrite and get involved on the Facebook Event Page.

Can you beat last years winners?

1st Place: AAF Dallas
2nd Place: Tandem Theory
3rd Place: Fox Sports Southwest
People’s Choice: Greenlight
Showmanship: Greenlight and Integer

Note: new address for Janimation

Janimation, Inc.
10118 Cayuga Drive #2
Dallas, TX 75228

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Visual FX

Janimation Does it Again for the State Fair of Texas! Check it Out!

Janimation Posted On September 28, 2017

Fair Opens Friday September 29th

The great State Fair of Texas opens tomorrow and Janimation has been behind the scenes assisting with development and creative for the entity for the past few years. The studio has provided live action interviews, 2D animation, creative editorial, food photography, as well as TV & radio spots.

Watch the cool spots…

Janimation also collaborated with the State Fair of Texas again this year for the Big Tex Choice Awards. The studio provided food photography for the 10 semi-finalists as well as pre-show interviews of the contestants. The big winners this year are the Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger and the Gulf Coast Fish Bowl.

Check out some snapshots …

Janimation Studios

Gulf Coast Fish Bowl

Cake Bacon Queso Burger

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Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality vs Perception – Janimation’s Take – No Flash in Pan

Janimation Posted On March 13, 2017

Steve Gacconier, CEO and CCD of Janimation Gives His Take on Virtual Reality

Virtual reality hits you hard, bro.

No one would blame you if you’re already tired of the hype surrounding virtual reality. From breathless cover stories in tech and business mags to television spots featuring headwear-sporting senior citizens, the buzz has reached a pitch that some might liken to fingernails on a chalkboard. The problem, of course, is that while the hype may indeed be hyperbolic, it’s also true. From entertainment to education to scientific research to advertising, the possible applications for virtual reality are literally endless.

As hardware and software has finally caught up with the demands that VR places on both sides of the tech equation, the major industry players have all dived in head first. (Except Apple, of course, but they prefer trying to be best to being first.) From Google Cardboard and Samsung phones (which is really more 3D viewing than true VR) to the bona fide, immersive, otherworldly experiences of tethered headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR is ready for prime time.

And so is Janimation. Because why would I be writing this if we weren’t?

For the past 25 years, Janimation has been creating and navigating 3D worlds for commercials, video games and big-budget “major motion picture events.” But while our artists have been able to explore their own creations in true three-dimensional space, you, the viewing public, have not. And that’s why we’re so excited about the current generation of VR technology – it’s finally at a tipping point where folks outside the nerd-o-sphere can use it, enjoy it and embrace it.

Think back to when you first saw a high definition TV (I was at DDB Dallas watching a Texas Rangers game). I bet you remember exactly what was on the screen because the technology – the flat panel, the size, the resolution – was so different than anything you’d experienced before. Immersive VR amplifies that first-time experience a hundred fold.

Seriously. When we demo our own VR work, the most common response is a more common version of “blessed feces!” Followed closely by “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Because they haven’t.

But why am I telling you all this? Because you need to know. Even more than you need to know about the new sticker pack on Snapchat. Regular video isn’t going away – just like print didn’t go extinct as so many predicted – but the future belongs to VR. You will see a Star Trek-style holodeck in your lifetime.

Does this all sound expensive? Well, it is. At least for now. Development of a virtual world and the stories that take place inside it takes months. Game companies experienced in building these worlds typically take two to three years to get to market. Of course, VR experiences will vary in complexity and scope – just like every other type of production – but at this point, nothing stands in your way that time and money can’t solve.

Currently, the Janimation team will take on just one VR project at a time. Because while the results look like magic, the production is very resource-heavy. It takes a full team of experienced artists and technicians to bring these worlds to life and create a satisfying story that the user controls.

Okay, that’s great, but couldn’t I have just saved everyone a tl;dr and posted a link to a sweet, sweet demo? Well, no. Because watching a video of VR is like trying to experience driving by playing the old Atari game Pole Position. You really do need to visit our studio, strap in and take it for a spin yourself. Which you’re welcome to do anytime.

Still not a believer? Then re-read the previous paragraph and give me a call.
So in case you skipped all the way down here looking for a summary, it’s this: Janimation is now taking on large-scale VR projects. This is not a beta. Nothing like a real experience to prove the virtual kind is legit.
We are not experimenting with your stuff. We’re tested, ready and able to help you create the next wave of immersive experiences for your audience.

Thanks,

Steve

P.S. We still do all the things you’ve come to expect from us – live production, 3D and 2D animation, VFX, commercials, assorted shenanigans, etc.

As always, the latest work is at Janimation.com

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Events

Chilanthropy Throwdown for 2016 Crown! Benefits Dream Fund Nov 19 @ Janimation

Janimation Posted On November 10, 2016

IT’S GO TIME! Get your chili cook’n team fired up and register for Chilanthropy – the premier chili cook-off for charity.

And it’s all for two great causes, DREAM Fund and the North Texas Food Bank.

Donations can be made one of two ways.

1. Get a chili team together and pay the entry fee

2. Show up for a good time and buy a TON of raffle tickets to win some prizes

All proceeds go to The DREAM Fund which supports the people of our industry during tough times.

food-bank

Thank you to the agencies and media companies who have signed up so far! Obviously, you know that sitting on the sidelines, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, claiming to be too busy for charity, is weak sauce. We plan to raise BIG MONEY this year and there will be great raffle items for you to win.

In addition to raising money for the DREAM Fund, Chilanthropy will also continue its endeavor to fill the North Texas Food Bank before the holidays. Janimation’s 2015 Chilanthropy event was able to provide over 6,000 meals to the North Texas Food Bank!

When: Saturday, November 19th from 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Where: Janimation Studios – 4000 East Side Ave. Dallas, TX 75226

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Television

Janimation Studios Launches 341 Mini-Series on the State Fair of Texas-KERA Picks Distribution

Janimation Posted On October 5, 2016

Watch First of Three Episodes Friday October 7th on KERA

In case you’re not in the know, allow us to bring you up to speed. Janimation Studios has developed and produced a new miniseries titled 341.

341 is a 3-part miniseries about the people who participate in the State Fair of Texas. A behind-the-curtain look reveals just how much the State Fair of Texas means to each participant and the surrounding community. By focusing on what goes on behind the scenes, stories of hard work, determination, creativity, inspiration, and perseverance are brought to light in the 341 days leading up to the fair.

“We presented the 341 concept to the State Fair of Texas and asked if they would help us with access to the fairgrounds, events, and the people. So much time, energy, and passion go into the State Fair every year and I felt these stories deserved to be told to our community.” said 341 Executive Producer and Director, Steve Gaçonnier

KERA has acquired the broadcast distribution. The three-part series will air on:

Episode 1 Rerun – Tuesday, Oct 4th at 11:30pm & Friday, Oct 7th at 10:30pm
Episode 2 – Sunday, Oct 16th at 6:30pm
Episode 3 – Sunday, Oct 30th at 6:30pm

Make sure to set your DVR if you can’t watch it live!

Watch Promo…

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Animation / Branding / Post-production

Janimation Studios and Mary Kay Collaborate for Youthfinity™ Videos

Janimation Posted On February 4, 2016

Mary Kay, Inc. recently partnered with Janimation Studios, an award-winning, turnkey production studio, to produce two product reveal videos for their new skincare product, Youthfinity™ the serum.

Mary Kay—which is well-known for their innovation, science and art of beauty, and beloved skincare products—challenged Janimation to create a unique visual experience for Youthfinity™. Janimation was tasked with sharing the Youthfinity™ story by weaving together live-action interviews with key Mary Kay executives and beautifully-crafted CG elements. In addition, a promotional beauty spot was procured and driven completely by computer-generated imagery.

Janimation CEO, Stephen Gaçonnier knew that when the initial concept was presented, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase some of their new rising talent. Gaçonnier put their senior editor, Jack Pyland at the helm to both direct and edit the project. Pyland said, “The goal was to make an informative, interview-based promotional tool into an art piece. Goal achieved!” Pyland collaborated visually with award-winning cinematographer Magdalena Gorka to capture the in-camera beauty and sophistication of Youthfinity™. To communicate the feeling of luxury and elegance, a swanky Uptown Dallas penthouse was set as the backdrop for the executive interviews. Mary Kay’s Chief Marketing Officer Sheryl Adkins-Green, Vice President of Research & Development Terry Jacks, and Vice President of Brand & Design Stephen Webster eloquently laid out the vision for Youthfinity™ in a way that not only engages but also educates the audience on the science behind Youthfinity™.

Watch the Interview…

Beyond the on-camera talent, the live-action crew captured a series of well-designed shots that represented the art and science behind the product. The footage was then taken back to Janimation Studios for post-production. There, Pyland elevated the story to the next level using interview soundbites and an avant-garde editing style that helped create a truly unique look at brand storytelling.

Watch the video below….

Another key to the final product was the talent of Greg Punchatz and his team of artists. Punchatz, Janimation Partner and Senior Creative Director explained,

“Mary Kay came to us with one of the most intriguing projects we’ve done here at Janimation. We were required to look at the challenge with a fresh approach. There’s a process that’s very different with these spots. Process-wise, we had to work down a nonlinear path. Our animators stretched themselves and tried a multitude of ideas. When you’re talking about abstract beauty and trying to produce visual poetry, it’s a long collaborative process. We were determined to get the visual rhythm and flow right in order to hit the sophisticated quality level that we ultimately achieved.

The visual creative for these spots reinforces the product’s strength, resilience, and quality for a highly sophisticated serum. The success of the Youthfinity™ campaign has allowed for continued collaboration on the next round of Mary Kay videos. Janimation is excited to announce a slate of new videos currently in production for Forever Diamonds, Lash Intensity, and Melacep. Janimation is confident this style of project and its success will bring more experimental work to the studio and promote partnerships with new clients, advertising agencies, and companies alike.

ABOUT MARY KAY

For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

www.marykay.com

ABOUT JANIMATION STUDIOS

Janimation is a Dallas-based, award-winning, turnkey production studio with over 23 years of experience in video marketing, live-action production, visual effects, CGI, 3D and 2D animation, stop motion, motion capture, motion control, VR, AR and more.

Janimation’s mission is to empower clients with the means to actualize their ideas to their fullest potential. Through creative content solutions and excellent service, their team of talented artists, directors, editors, and producers deliver the highest quality visual storytelling for their corporate, game, commercial, film, television and agency clients.

www.janimation.com

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