In Memory of Zina Lahr 1990 - 2013

On April 2 2013 a most unusual student joined us here at the Academy. She came all the way from Colorado to take Character Design 1 in Burbank.

Her name was Zina Lahr.

She was a remarkable and talented young lady. She dressed in an aviator's head gear with goggles and had feathers streaming from her hair. She was such a gentle, kind and soft spoken soul you knew you were in the presence of someone very special every time you were with her. Someone so extraordinary she didn't seem to be from this earth.

Zina exhibited strong skills and a unique vision. She was involved in making life sized dinosaur puppets move. The kind that would require individuals suiting up inside of the contraption. Her art was beautiful and we all grew creatively while she was with us. Our experience with her was extremely positive and we missed her when she had to go back home to take care of her ailing grandmother. Just last month I received an email from Zina saying how much she looked forward to coming back here again in the future.

A week ago on Wednesday, November 20 2013, Zina Lahr fell to her death in an accident while hiking in the hills around her hometown of Ouray, Colorado. She was only 23 years old.

Here's the article regarding her passing.

Zina was the kind of person that is too good for this world. She will be remembered as someone of exceptional significance and her memory will always be held as something very special to me personally. Zina was the kind of girl that made you feel wonderful just by being in her presence. For myself and on behalf of everyone who knew her at the Academy we offer her family and loved ones our sincerest condolences. We were lucky to have known you and to have had you with us Zina. You'll be greatly missed.

Rest In Peace.    

Chance Raspberry's Indiegogo Success

The phenomenon of crowdfunding has become and is increasingly a major method of launching projects of any and all sorts. In animation and other creative fields sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo have transformed the way that business is done. This positive and dynamic development is making a difference in the lives of many people. It holds tremendous potential for the future considering how far this new system will eventually go.

Simpsons animator and Academy legend Chance Raspberry wrapped up his second crowdfunding campaign on  November 12 2013. This time on Indiegogo. Chance has already made history with his successful Little Billy project on Kickstarter last year. His follow up involved a showcase for his musical talents. It's a CD entitled "Old Souls.... Young Hearts". His goal was $4500 and he wound up with $6401. Now he can push Little Billy even further.

 

Congrats again Chance!

 

Here's the promotional video he created for the Indiegogo campaign...

 

 



 

Kiana Mosser animation

One of our long term standout students has been experimenting with animation featuring characters she's been developing through her time at the Academy. Take a look at this simple and poetic video Kiana Mosser created. It's called "Dusk"...



Here's something else she's created recently. This video is entitled "Journey"...

You can see more of Kiana's animation on her YouTube channel...

http://www.youtube.com/lunarwiind