Studio Update: New Animation, Premiere Success, and all About Winter 2013

By: Andrew Bermudez

(LEGO Studios; December 14, 2012)

     If nothing else, today was certainly the most lackluster day for Mustache Maniacs Film Co., as only one out of four films was actually released on time. "However, we aren't worried," said LEGO Studios CEO Mark Matthew. "This actually gives us time to refine the other three films so they look their best, rather than rushing them just to meet their deadlines." If you want to see Air Strike, it is now available to watch on the Mustache Maniacs Film Co. YouTube channel. The rest of the films slated for release today have been pushed off to other release times, which will be detailed later.

     However, the premiere of New Friends proved to be a huge success, despite the technical errors with the planned Google Hangout. All of the filmmakers attended, along with other students and invited friends and family. After the screening of the rough cut for New Friends, the audience gave a standing ovation. "If this is what the audience felt about the rough cut," said Steve Brocko, head of the animation department, "just wait until they see the final version!" Next week, the refinements for the film will begin.

     After the release of Air Strike, Mark Matthew detailed the press about plans for the winter season. Here is what he had to share:

     December 2012: The year will be wrapped up with two more releases. The first one is the delayed The Film School Challenge Teaser - The Power Goes Out. Just like the other two teasers, this one will feature Seth Masterson talking to the audience about the Film School Challenge, with humorous gags abounding. The other one is a currently unknown THAC 10 entry, which is scheduled for release on December 30th. More details will be revealed when the time comes.

     January 2013: January is a time to get several backlogged projects out from under our belts. Not only will New Friends and Animation Reel 2 be released during this time, but so will Zoo Flight, Gone Ice Fishin' Production Gallery, New Friends Deleted Animation, and Seth Masterson vs. Shark Hoops Animatic, just to name a few. Station 9 will also be converted to 3-D this month.

     February 2013: February is a more "in-flux" month, just in case any January projects fall behind schedule. If any films are found during the Old Lego Studios Film Hunt, they will begin to be released this month as "From the Vaults" releases. To wrap up Vacation: Unlimited, the Vacation: Unlimited Awards will be held this month, to honor the best stories and attractions of 2012. I've heard rumors that Radiator Springs Racers and Transformers: the Ride - 3-D are up for these awards. Finally, remember that registration for The Film School Challenge ends February 28th.

     As usual, filming for Johnny Thunder and the Wisdom of the Ancients continues. The film will be released summer 2014.