Movies, animation, comics, gaming and tech. Want to know what’s happening in Africa and beyond? Here’s the Run Down for this week.
NEWS OUT OF AFRICA – Gaming/Entertainment
Watch Out For Women’s Game Jam Zambia!
Ladies, are you looking for an opportunity to learn, create a portfolio and strengthen your game development skills? Why not check out Women’s Game Jam Zambia.
Led by Sithe Ncube, a key figure in spotlighting female creators in African gaming, this year’s event will be hosted by Zambia and will take place online. Participants will have 10 days to plan and create a digital or analogue game, based on a theme that will be revealed at the start of the event.
At the conclusion of the game jam, each participant will also have the opportunity to upload their game to the Women’s Game Jam itch.io page.
Check out more https://gamesindustryafrica.com/2021/08/11/zambia-to-host-women-game-jam/
X Box Discovery Day is Coming to Africa
Increased interest in Africa’s games industry has sparked ID@Xbox team to plan a Discovery day focused primarily on the African continent.
The event will usher in experts presenting on Game Pass, xCloud, Azure, Xbox, ID@Xbox and many more! The event will begin on Friday, 10th September 2021 at 12pm.
This is a great opportunity for PC or Game Console developers to learn more and gain the opportunity to bring their projects to Microsoft’s platforms and the world. So if you are interested do join in!
Find out more https://gamesindustryafrica.com/2021/08/16/xbox-discovery-days-coming-to-africa/
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Tech/Movies
What is UNOMi?
UNOMi is a software platform tool that utilises advanced motion capture technology and voice recognition to shorten production time on lengthier aspects of animation.
The platform’s motion capture software enables creators to track human movement effortlessly from their studio or home, whilst its voice recognition software comprehends multiple languages making it easy to create speech for various animated characters.
Made especially for animators and video game developers, UNOMi are now getting this innovative tech into the hands of students in the USA.
UNOMi and Channel Frederator Network Bring Animation Tech to Schools in America
Animation social media agency, Channel Frederator Network (CFN) and software platform UNOMi have partnered up to bring UNOMi’s unique 2D, 3D lip syncing tool to animation students in the America.
Assisted by Channel Frederator Network, UNOMi has currently launched a trial programme at the School of Visual Arts, New York where students and teachers are testing and using the new software on projects.
After UNOMi has launched its motion capture technology, they will also be considering presenting Georgia State University with a trial license to make use of the software in their special effects and content creation division.
Netflix Has Revealed Avatar: the Last Airbender’s Live Action Cast!
Streaming giant, Netflix has officially revealed their casting choice for the live action adaptation of the fan-favourite series, Avatar: The Last Airbender!
The cast is as follows:
Gordon Cormier (Lost in Space, The Stand) as young monk and last Airbender, Aang
Kiawentiio (Beans, Anne with an E) as skilled and determined water bender, Katara
Ian Ousley (13 Reasons Why, Physical) as goofy and sarcastic, Sokka
and
Dallas Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, PEN15) as brooding, exiled Prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko
The series’ release date has not yet been confirmed. However, it has been announced that it will be directed by Liang, Michael Goi and Jabbar Raisani and executive produced by Dan Lin (The LEGO Movie) and Lindsey Liberatore (Walker). Check out more https://screenrant.com/avatar-last-airbender-netflix-cast-ages-story-details/