PerrysPreviews - Perry's Family Movie Reviews

Perry Chen, 9-year-old Prodigy Movie Critic A Major Hit on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric

(published on “We Chinese in America” June 12, 2009)

A huge truck with large CBS 8 logo and soaring antenna parked in a quiet Torrey Hills neighborhood at 4:30 pm on Sunday, May 31. CBS 8 Reporter Steve Price and cameraman Charlie Landon hopped off the truck to get ready for live coverage of a celebration party at the home of Perry Chen, a 9-year-old third grader from Torrey Hills Elementary School, who has become a renowned film critic and media personality in San Diego for his sophisticated, insightful, and often humorous reviews of G and PG-rated family movies.

This night, Perry will debut on national TV: CBS Evening News with Katie Couric will introduce him as the most prominent child film critics in the country to millions of viewers in an exclusive feature. At 6:24 pm, the last segment of CBS Evening News started. “The new animated movie ‘Up’ soared off with $68 million this weekend, winning the box office race. ‘Up’ got a boost from rave reviews, including one California writer who called it ‘amazing’ and gave it four and a half starfish out of a possible five. Other big films have had to face the starfish test too, as CBS news correspondent Ben Tracy reports.”

Hours of filming and interviewing by the CBS News crew were condensed to a spectacular 2.5 minute feature, with this opening line from Ben Tracy: “In the movie world the critics hold a lot of power. But very few hold their mom’s hand when they show up at the theatre.”

“Wise beyond his years, Perry might just be the youngest movie critic in the country, and has filmmakers who invited him to private question and answer sessions. He has become so well known in movie circles that Perry gets invited to special press screenings before a movie even comes out,” reported CBS 8’s Price.

Indeed, since writing movie reviews in October 2008, Perry was invited to meet and interview the acclaimed French director Michel Ocelot and renowned Pixar “Up” director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera, the creative force behind the first animated feature ever to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2009. Perry is a columnist and movie critic for “We Chinese in America” weekly newspaper, and has been featured in ten San Diego newspaper and print media, including La Jolla Light and San Diego Ranch Coast News

“I like epic movies and sentimental movies,” said Perry when asked about his favorite type of movies. “What are you going to do when your movie critic days are over?” asked Price. “I want to be a filmmaker. I love movies and want to experience what it’s like to make a movie myself. I’ll make kids movie with action,” said Perry.

Loud cheers erupted when the CBS feature finished. “This is once in a lifetime experience,” Perry commented when prompted by Price, about watching the CBS show with friends. “I give it FIVE starfish. It’s Perrific! My coined word for Perry and terrific together.”

Perry took bows to his adoring friends and gave appreciations to a few special people, including his mom and Ms. Joli Harris, Perry’s teacher from Torrey Hills, who has been a wonderful mentor to Perry. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Perry on this creative project. It is so ‘real life’ and helps to bring to light that writing has purpose and meaning, not just an assignment from a teacher. It is a great marriage of education and entertainment, making it both motivating for Perry to write and for others to read. Perry has been able to grow as a writer through this process, becoming more thoughtful, descriptive, and able to expand on his ideas. Through this, his patience has grown, allowing his love of writing to grow as well. It is my hope that this will inspire others to engage in similar creative pursuits.” Said Ms. Harris.

“Working with Perry on his movie reviews has been such a rewarding journey for me personally. I firmly believe that each Child has natural talents and great potential. It could be creative writing, art, science, math, invention, and so on. It’s up to the parents and teachers to uncover and nurture these natural talents in their children and students so that they can unleash their creativity and let their imagination take flight. Perry’s success is a wonderful example of the three-way partnership among parent, teacher, and student.” Commented Dr. Shen, who plans to give educational seminars this summer in San Diego about “How to uncover and nurture your children’s hidden talents.”

On display throughout Perry’s home are Perry’s drawings and paintings under the guidance of his beloved art teacher Ms. Helen Yuan who teaches at the Golden Dragon Kung-Fu Institute four days a week. This summer, Perry plans to experiment with sculpture from renowned sculptor Lynn Forbes at Lynn Forbes Sculpture Studio in Carlsbad.

“Perry is definitely going to be whatever he wants to be,” predicted Price as he wrapped up the live coverage.

After his successful Fox 5 TV debut on May 25 to review Pixar’s “Up”, Perry will be back on Fox late June to review 20^th Century Fox’s “The Ice Age III: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” which opens on July 1 nationwide.

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For Perry’s reviews, updates, upcoming events, and to sign up for free newsletters, visit www.perryspreviews.com

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Posted by Perry on June 15th, 2009 | No Comments Posted in Featured, Perry in Press, Perry's Mom

Child Film Critic and Animator Perry Chen Predicts 2012 Animation Oscar Nominees

Perry Chen thrilled to receive screening DVDs for Animated Films (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen 2012 Oscar Nomination Prediction for Animation

Jan 23, 2012

The year 2011 was a good year for animation. I have seen some “Perrific!” entertaining films with rich storyline and characters, dazzling visuals, and lively music. But overall, 2010 was a stronger year for animation than 2011, the three Oscar-nominated films Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Illusionist all got 4.5 starfish from me! Just ahead of the Academy nominee announcement on Jan 24, 2012, here is my prediction for the 2011 Best Animation Oscar Nomination: Rango, Rio, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, and The Adventures of Tintin. I gave most of them 4 starfish rating.

Perry Chen at RIO press screening (photo by Zhu Shen)

Rio has a good chance with the Academy because it isn’t a sequel, it’s a brand new idea, and I rated it favorably. I gave it 4 starfish because it has beautiful visuals of the forest, the carnival, and the colorful birds. It also had an interesting storyline full of twists and turns. My review:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=2452

Perry Chen & Rango (photo by Zhu Shen)

Rango is my least favorite, only 2.5 starfish, but it is a new idea never done before, and with Johnny Depp in it. I didn’t like it much though, because the characters were unappealing, and the film basically put Johnny Depp’s voice in a terrible script. But, many critics enjoyed it, and it has been getting some Oscar buzz, so I predict Rango will get nominated too. My review:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=2368

Perry Chen with Tintin (photo by Zhu Shen)

The Adventures of Tintin is suspenseful, full of nonstop action using new motion capture technology, and may bring back nostalgia in lovers of the Tintin comic. I rated it 4 starfish and it won the Golden Globe for best animation, so I predict this film will get nominated for the Academy Awards. My review:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=3408

Kung-Fu Perry with Kung-Fu Panda's Po at DreamWorks Animation (photo by Zhu Shen)

Kung Fu Panda 2, the sequel of the hit movie Kung Fu Panda retains all of the charm and humor of the original story in an all new intriguing story about inner peace and finding yourself. Even though it is a sequel, it has an entirely new and exciting story about the adventures of Po the Kung Fu Panda. This film is definitely deserving of an Oscar nomination. My review:

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-613413 (on CNN iReport)

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=2633

Perry Chen at Puss in Boots press screening (photo by Zhu Shen)

Finally, my last prediction for the nominee list for the academy awards is Puss in Boots. This new, action/adventure film about the notorious swashbuckling feline stars him in his own movie, about how he became an outlaw to repay an old debt to his city and discovers his old friend, Humpty Dumpty, who has become a rotten egg. This film is filled with action, adventure, and romance in an entirely new film that I predict will get the Oscar nomination. My review:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=3319

Perry Chen greeting fans at Oscar Night America San Diego 2011 (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen predicting Oscars at Oscar Night America San Diego 2011 (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen at 2011 Oscar Night America San Diego with official poster (photo by Zhu Shen)

Like last year, my mom and I are invited as special guests to attend the 2012 Oscar Night America official Oscar party in San Diego on Feb 26 to benefit the Community Campership Council, a non-profit organization that helps to raise funding for kids to go to camp. I walked the red carpet with mom, and was invited on stage to predict best animation feature and shorts, and gave my prediction on CBS 8 live coverage too. What a fun, exciting night, and for a great cause! I would love to give my prediction again this year at the event, hope to see you there too!

For more info about the 2012 Oscar Night America San Diego event, visit http://www.kidstocamp.org or call 858-268-9888

Update Jan 24, 2012:

The nomination list just came out this morning, I am glad to get 3 out of 5 best animation nominations correct! Congrats to the filmmakers from DreamWorks Animation who made“Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Puss in Boots.” I enjoyed presenting my first animation short “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest” at DreamWorks Animation and having director Dean DeBlois of “How to Train Your Dragon” introducing me. Congrats to the Rango team too.

The two other animation feature nominees that I missed are “A Cat in Paris” and “Chico & Rita,” both are foreign films not yet released in the cinema. I have not seen them yet, but look forward to watching them before the Oscars!

I’m so happy that my favorite film of 2011, Hugo, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, won the most nominations (11) including best picture, director, and screenplay. My review:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=3381

Another film I enjoyed, the silent black and white “The Artist” got 10 nominations including best picture, director, and acting for the lead actor and supporting actress.

Among the 5 animated shorts nominees, I only saw “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” (at 2011 Burbank International Film Festival). It is “Perrific!” and deeply moving. I look forward to watching other nominated and short-listed animated shorts before the Oscars!

In the life action short category, I’m glad that the two excellent 2011 Student Academy Awards winners, “Raju” (also won 2011 LA Shorts Fest award) and “Tuba Atlantic” are nominated. These are the only two films I watched among the 5 nominees. Last year, another Student Academy Awards winner Luke Matheny’s “God of Love” won this award. My review of 2011 Student Academy Awards:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=2666

Other nominated films for best picture that I enjoyed watching include:

War Horse, The Help, Midnight in Paris, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

———–

Perry S. Chen is an 11-year-old award-winning child film critic, artist, animator, TEDx speaker, and entertainment personality, currently in 6^th grade from San Diego. He started reviewing movies at age 8 in 3^rd grade using a kid-friendly starfish rating system, and has been featured in CBS, NPR, NBC, CNN, CCTV (China Central Television), Variety, The Young Icons, The Guardian, The China Press, etc. He has written movie reviews for Animation World Network, San Diego Union Tribune, Amazing Kids! Magazine, and his own Perry’s Previews blog:

www.perryspreviews.com

Perry won an “Excellence in Journalism Award” from San Diego Press Club in 2010 and 2011 for his movie and restaurant reviews, an “Excellence Writer Award” from “We Chinese in America” Magazine in 2010 for his movie review column. Perry is widely recognized as an authoritative spokesperson about movies for his generation, and appears frequently at red carpet movie premieres, awards, and film festivals, interviewing prominent directors from such films as Toy Story 3, Up, How to Train Your Dragon. He was a presenter at the 2010 Annie Awards for Animation in Hollywood.

“Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest” is Perry’s first film as the sole animator, with storyboard and character design by Bill Plympton, directed by Kevin Sean Michaels, produced by Drs. Zhu Shen and Jud Newborn, a Holocaust historian. The film premiered to critical acclaim at LA Shorts Fest & Comic-Con in July, 2011, acquired for worldwide distribution in Sep 2011 by Shorts International, distributor of Oscar-nominated shorts, won a “Special Jury Award” for “Extraordinary Vision” at Flyway Film Festival in Wisconsin in Oct, 2011, featured as a bonus film at the 2011 Animation Show of Shows, and has been touring film festivals around the world. The film was among 45 animation shorts announced by Animation World Network and Animation Magazine as 2012 Oscar contenders:

http://www.awn.com/news/short-films/academy-screens-next-oscar-winning-animated-short

http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/academy-screens-45-shorts-for-oscar-consideration/

In addition to animating “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest,” Perry also animated one scene in Bill Plympton’s award-winning “Guard Dog Global Jam.” Perry and his mom Dr. Zhu Shen are featured in a new book about parenting and youth entrepreneurship, “The Parent’s Guide to Raising CEO Kids,” published in Aug 2011.

http://perryspreviews.com (main website)

http://www.facebook.com/perryspreviewsfan (Facebook)

For more information about Perry Chen, his animation films, and movie reviews, contact Dr. Zhu Shen, bioforesight@gmail.com

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Posted by Perry on January 24th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in animation, Awards, Featured, Perry in Press, Upcoming Events

Perry’s Previews’ San Diego Restaurant Week Review: Roppongi

Perry Chen trying main course at Roppongi (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry’s Previews’ San Diego Restaurant Week Review: Roppongi

(4 out of 5 Starfish)

By Perry S. Chen

Jan 16, 2012

It’s the 7^th annual San Diego Restaurant Week (Jan 15-20, 2012) http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/ and I went to Roppongi in La Jolla to review some delicious dishes exclusive to this week! I frequently go to Roppongi, one of my favorite restaurants, and try some of my favorite foods like the Polynesian Crab Stack and Mongolian Duck Quesadilla, but this time, I wanted to sample the restaurant week specialties.

Perry Chen with mom and dad at Roppongi

When my parents and I walked into the familiar restaurant, the pleasant aroma of the delicious food filled the air. Ornate Asian decorations like terra cotta warriors, Buddha statues, and dragons decorated the walls, and lotus shaped hanging lamps were outside. Inside, we sat in a comfy booth and I admired some of the ornaments inside. Some hanging light fixtures were held by seemingly floating colored glass globes.

Seaweed salad (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen trying hamachi appetizer (photo by Zhu Shen)

Asian Pear Arugula Salad & Kobocha Squash Lobster Bisque (photo by Zhu Shen)

The chef gave us a sample as an appetizer: crunchy pickled seaweed salad in a spoon before the real appetizers. We tried all of the dishes on the menu. The first appetizer to come was the New Style Hamachi. It looked delicious, with crunchy (yet not very spicy) tempura jalapeno peppers, extremely salty ponzu jelly for flavor, and 5 slabs of tender raw fish. The hamachi was a pale pink color, with sprinkles of micro cilantro and green onion and a thin slice of radish on top. The dish looks like a work of edible art. Next, was the Asian Pear Arugula Salad, with peppery arugula, pieces of bleu cheese, Asian pear slices, and cranberry. When I tried all of these ingredients together in one bite of salad, it tasted like an explosion of contrast and flavor. Lastly, came the Kobocha Squash Lobster Bisque. I enjoyed the small chunks of lobster in it, and the creamy soup. My family and I often make soup with Kobocha Squash, so I really liked the flavor. My personal favorite dish in the first course was the hamachi, because it had delicious contrast and flavor.

After the first course, we moved onto the entrees. The first entrée was the Szechuan Pepper Crusted Grilled Top Sirloin (also on the regular menu). My dad ordered it well done, so it wasn’t very flavorful. With the steak came 2 delectable Gorgonzola Croquettes, made out of smooth mashed fingerling potatoes mixed with savory cheese and fried breadcrumbs. It was pretty tasty, but it didn’t taste like authentic Chinese food because it wasn’t spicy enough. The next entrée was the Seasonal Fish. Our waiter, Brandon, informed us that the fish was halibut caught off the coast of Baja the same day. We could tell by the firm texture that it was very fresh. My mom said that the fish tasted like Cantonese style cooking. On top of the piece of fish was light seasoning, sesame seeds, and various spices, which brought out the natural flavor. The last entrée we ordered was the Wok’d Shrimp Lo Mein, also on the regular menu. The shrimp and noodles are a bit too oily for my taste. My favorite entree was the seasonal fish, because it had a delicious fresh flavor.

The desserts! (photo by Zhu Shen)

Finally, came the best part of dinner: dessert! My mom and I definitely agree that dessert was the highlight of the meal. First, came the Crème Brulee Cheesecake, which included a delicious creamy cheesecake with crumbly cookie piece on the bottom. It was drizzled with tart passion fruit sauce and a sweet coconut sorbet, which was of the purest white color I had ever seen. Another dessert we ordered was the Pear Walnut Tartlet, which had a pile of syrupy chopped pears, sweet espresso ice cream, and a walnut filled tartlet with crispy crust. The last dish was the Salted Caramel Pot de Crème with a rich, creamy pudding and pieces of crunchy peanut brittle, mom’s favorite.

After the dinner, the restaurant manager, Steve Rhodes, gave some information about restaurant week. He said that half of the customers there order from the regular menu, and half try the restaurant week menu. If the customers really like a dish, the dish would be added to the regular menu. If that is the case, I would like to see the New Style Hamachi, Seasonal Fish, and all of the delectable desserts on the regular menu soon.

I would rate the Restaurant Week Menu 4 starfish. My advice is that you can’t go wrong with the regular menu, as everything I’ve tried on the menu was scrumptious. My parents and I often try their happy hour (3-6:30 pm daily, half off all Asian tapas and sushi). I especially love the Polynesian Crab Stack on the tapas menu. The enticing crab meat, the tanginess of the ripe, juicy tomatoes, the various veggies and a dash of ginger lime blend perfectly. I usually hate onion and cilantro, but with the sweet, spicy sauce, they turn into one of my all time favorite foods! The secret is in the sauce…

I also loved the Caterpillar Roll because of the two exotic seafood mixed together: the satisfying Dungeness crab meat, and the irresistible flavor of the barbecued eel, topped with a creamy avocado slice, with delicious brown sauce and Japanese flavor.

If you’re feeling more adventurous in culinary terms, go for the restaurant week menu, or try a little bit of both! The restaurant’s website: http://www.roppongiusa.com

———-

www.perryspreviews.com

http://perryspreviews.com (main website)

http://www.facebook.com/perryspreviewsfan (Facebook)

For more information about Perry Chen, contact Zhu Shen, bioforesight@gmail.com

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Posted by Perry on January 17th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Events, Featured, Perry in Press, Recent Reviews, Upcoming Events

Child Animator Perry Chen at CTN Animation Expo 2011

Perry Chen at CTN Animtion Expo 2011 (photo by Zhu Shen)

By Perry S. Chen

On November 18^th 2011, my mom and I went to the Creative Talents Network (CTN) Animation Expo. It was the third year for this event, although it was the first time for me. When we arrived at the entrance of the Burbank Convention Center where this event was held, we were enthusiastically greeted by Dan Sarto, the Publisher of Animation World Network (AWN) where I am an expert blogger on animation films and events. He told my mom earlier that he really enjoyed CTN Expo which focused on the artists, and it’s a lot easier to meet people than at a huge event like the Comic-Con.

Perry Chen, mom Zhu Shen & AWN publisher Dan Sarto (L) & editor Rick DeMott (R) at CTN AWN booth

We got our Press/Exhibitor Badges and walked into the Convention Center, where the other Exhibitors were unpacking their supplies. Even though the public had not been let in yet, the Exhibit hall was already bustling with action as people set up their booths and talked with others. Everywhere there were colorful banners and posters that displayed eye-catching art. Arranged on many of the booths were free stuff like pens, tattoos, cards, and candy.

Perry Chen with Animation Magazine publisher Jean Thoren (photo by Zhu Shen)

There were many interesting books and movies, but one book in particular caught my mom’s eye. It was on the Animation Magazine booth, a magazine that my mom and I read often that tells a lot about recent happenings in the animation industry. The book was a thick hardcover collector’s edition Anniversary book and compilation of past Animation Magazine Editions. But, amazingly it was only $5! Later, I realized it was a great deal because it was originally priced at $45. The publisher Jean Thoren even autographed the book for me, “Stay animating, I am sure you will go ‘Beyond the Forest’ in the animation industry!”

Perry Chen with animator Kris Pearn and his drawing (photo by Zhu Shen)

A book that caught my attention was called Edward the Tree Climbing Dog, which was written and illustrated by Kris Pearn, an animator from the film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”. He even drew in my Animation Journal, an idea inspired by Ron Diamond, co-publisher of Animation World Network and organizer of the annual Animation Show of Shows where my film “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest” was screened as a bonus film last year.

Perry Chen with Tony White (photo by Zhu Shen)

After we checked out the books and bought the Animation Magazine 20th Anniversary Edition, we got some Animation DVD Videos. Tony White, a veteran animator and author in one of the booths, gave me a great DVD called Endangered Species, which tells of a creature called the Animaticus, which symbolizes hand drawn animation, and their role and influence in the world of animation. Tony gave it to us for free in exchange for our Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest DVD.

Perry Chen & Toom Boom's Lily Vogelesang & Karina Bessoudo (photo by Zhu Shen)

Toon Boom sponsored panel at CTN (photo by Zhu Shen)

Mom and I enjoyed catching up with my director Kevin Sean Michaels, and collaborator Bill Plympton who even drew me a cow on my sketchbook! I attended an interesting panel about TV Shows that used Toon Boom Animation Software, one of the sponsors of our film, Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest. We also met our dear friend Karina Bessoudo (and her colleagues) at the Convention, Toon Boom’s Vice President of Marketing.

Perry Chen drawing on Wacom Cintiq tablet as Kevin Sean Michaels watches (photo by Zhu Shen)

Also, I found another of our film’s sponsor Wacom’s booth and tried out the Cintiq model. It was a lot easier than using the Intuos model that I already have, but it was hard to figure out how to work on Photoshop, the software that was installed on the Cintiq. It was a lot harder to figure out than Toon Boom Studio.

Perry Chen at Sandde 3D demo (photo by Zhu Shen)

After a long day, it was time to return to San Diego, but I suddenly noticed a man drawing onto a screen in 3D. I put on the glasses and suddenly saw the images pop right out of the screen. When I showed my mom, she was so excited, she almost forgot about going home! The software is called SANDDE from Janro Imaging Laboratory (developed by IMAX cofounder Roman Kroitor), and my mom had a conversation with the SANDDE representatives. They were delighted to hear that I was an animator using Toon Boom because they were friends with Toon Boom, as both companies are based in Montreal, Canada. I tried the SANDDE software using the “magic wand,” and it was great! It had stereoscopic drawing tools where you can draw in thin air and when you put on the glasses, the images seem to pop right out of the screen in 3D. When I told SANDDE staff there that I could use their software for my upcoming film, Stix, which is about a young boy (as a stick figure) and his adventure with a magic pencil (everything he draws comes alive), they were quite enthusiastic and even hinted that they could sponsor us in the future! What a great way to end a Perrific™ day!

Perry Chen with Sandde staff at CTN (photo by Zhu Shen)

Now in less than two months since CTN, I’m proud to say that SANDDE is officially a sponsor to my next animation film Stix, to be made in 3D! I will share my progress along the way, so stay tuned. Press release about the sponsorship:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=3444

———

www.perryspreviews.com

http://www.awn.com/news/short-films/academy-screens-next-oscar-winning-animated-short

http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/academy-screens-45-shorts-for-oscar-consideration/

http://perryspreviews.com (main website)

http://www.facebook.com/perryspreviewsfan (Facebook)

For more information about Perry Chen, his animation films, and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dr. Zhu Shen, bioforesight@gmail.com

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Posted by Perry on January 9th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in animation, Events, Featured, Perry in Press, Perry's Mom, Recent Reviews

Cutting-edge 3D animation software company signed up as sponsor to award-winning child animator Perry Chen’s new film

Perry Chen at Sandde poster at CTN Animation Expo (photo by Zhu Shen)

Press release

Cutting-edge 3D Animation Software Company Signed up as Sponsor to Award-winning Child Animator Perry Chen’s New Film

San Diego, California, and Montreal, Quebec, January 4, 2012

For immediate release

Janro Imaging Laboratory, Inc. the owner of the world’s first freehand stereoscopic animation system “Sandde,” signed up as the first sponsor to award-winning 11-year-old animator Perry Chen’s next animation film, to be made in 3D. Sandde was invented by IMAX co-founder Roman Kroitor, who founded Janro Imaging Laboratory.

Following the enthusiastic reception of his first animation short about a young Holocaust survivor, “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest,” in collaboration with Oscar-nominee Bill Plympton, director Kevin Sean Michaels, co-produced by his mom Dr. Zhu Shen, the 6^th-grade animator Perry Chen is ready to take on the next challenge: writing, animating, and directing his next animation film in 3D.

“I loved animating ‘Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest’ and learned a lot about making animation films,” said Perry, “After making this serious film about a heavy subject, I want to try something more light-hearted and fun for my next film, called ‘Stix,’ about a young boy’s adventure using his creativity and imagination. Mom and I are thrilled to have Janro Imaging Laboratory sponsor my new animation. I was hooked when I first tried the Sandde software using the ‘magic’ wand at the Creative Talent Network (CTN) Animation Expo, and can’t wait to use it to create my new film in 3D!”

Perry Chen trying Sandde 3D demo at CTN Animation Expo (photo by Zhu Shen)

“When we met Perry at the 2011 CTN Expo, he told us that his next film was about a boy who finds a magic pencil that allows him to draw in mid-air, and that those drawings come to life, leading the boy into an adventure,” commented Emily Pelstring, Janro Imaging Laboratory’s Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. “Our Sandde software essentially fulfills that fantasy: it allows animators to draw and animate in space using a motion-tracking pen. It’s a perfect match for Perry’s new film! We are supporting the project because using Sandde will allow Perry to continue to work in his charming, hand-drawn style, while exploring the creative possibilities offered by stereoscopy. The film has a strong conceptual justification for the use of stereoscopic 3D, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer Perry our product and support. We look forward to assisting him in making his first 3D film a reality!”

Perry Chen with Janro Imaging Lab staff at CTN Animation Expo (photo by Zhu Shen)

“Perry and I had an incredible experience making our first film ‘Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest,’ thanks to the generous sponsorship and support of Toon Boom Animation, Wacom, Reel Picture, and so many friends and colleagues,” said Zhu Shen, Perry’s mother and producer. “Perry learned a lot about how to tell a story with compelling visuals and well-designed characters, how to connect scenes smoothly in interesting ways, how to create drawings that match the narrative and soundtrack, how to research to ensure the historical accuracy of the characters and their environment in the final film. I have learned how to put a film together, finding and collaborating with different partners. We are ready to put our learning into good use in our new 3D film next. I am very grateful for Janro Imaging Laboratory’s sponsorship, and look forward working with Emily Pelstring and her team to help make Perry’s imagination take flight.”

Perry Chen, mom/producer Zhu Shen & AWN publisher Dan Sarto (L) & editor Rick DeMott (R) at CTN Animation Expo

“Stix” will combine the appeal of both 2D and 3D animation, as Perry will use Toon Boom Studio software (2D) to create the beginning of the film, and switch to Sandde 3D software when the boy in the story finds that things he draws with the magic pencil comes to life. Perry and Zhu attended the 2011 CTN Animation Expo for the first time while covering the event for the Animation World Network for which Perry is an expert blog since 2010.

About “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest:”

http://www.awn.com/news/short-films/academy-screens-next-oscar-winning-animated-short

http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/academy-screens-45-shorts-for-oscar-consideration/

Perry Chen and Zhu Shen were invited to present the film at DreamWorks Animation at its Glendale, CA headquarter in Dec 2011. Dean DeBlois, co-director of How to Train Your Dragon, introduced Perry Chen at the presentation.

More info: http://ingridpitt.co.uk (official film website)

http://www.facebook.com/ingridpittanimation (Facebook)

About Perry Chen:

www.perryspreviews.com

http://perryspreviews.com (main website)

http://www.facebook.com/perryspreviewsfan (Facebook)

For more information about Perry Chen, his animation films, and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dr. Zhu Shen, bioforesight@gmail.com

About Sandde and Janro Imaging Laboratory:

Sandde is the world’s first freehand stereoscopic animation system. It is the stereoscopic equivalent of a piece of paper and a pencil. This immersive, stereo-3D animation tool allows you to create 3D content with the graphic charm of traditional hand-drawn animation. Whether you need to create a finished animation, a 3D storyboard, or a stereoscopic painting, Sandde offers quick and intuitive methods for getting your ideas out into a virtual 3D world. Simply pick up the Wand and draw!

As you move the Wand, the Sandde system tracks its position and orientation. Sandde then interprets the Wand’s coordinate data to create and display 3D stereoscopic lines that correspond to your real-world movements. And all of this outputs in real-time to any 3D display, so that you can see your work in 3D as you draw it.

Sandde was originally developed at IMAX Corporation and – with the encouragement and assistance of the National Film Board of Canada – was further developed and commercialized by Janro Imaging Laboratory by license from IMAX. Janro Imaging Laboratory has been the home of Sandde software since 2007.

Janro Imaging Lab (JIL) was founded by Roman Kroitor, a Canadian filmmaker who began his career at the National Film Board of Canada in the late 1940s and is a co-founder of IMAX. Kroitor, the inventor of SANDDE, has written, directed, edited, and produced more than 70 films in his lifetime, many of them award-winning.

For more information on Sandde and Janro Imaging Laboratory, visit www.sandde.com, or contact:

Emily Pelstring, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, emily@janroimaging.com

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Posted by Perry on January 4th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in animation, Featured, Perry in Press, Perry's Mom, Upcoming Events

Perry’s Previews Reviews Cinepolis: The Magic of the Cinema meets Gourmet Dining

Perry Chen enjoying popcorns inside Cinepolis (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry’s Previews Reviews Cinepolis:

The Magic of the Cinema meets Gourmet Dining

(4.5 out of 5 starfish)

By Perry S. Chen Dec 23, 2011

It was a long day at school on a Monday in December, and there was nothing better than going to the movies to relax after some homework; only this isn’t your typical movie theater, it’s the Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Del Mar, which I visited recently for a photo shoot for the Pacific San Diego magazine December feature: http://www.pacificsandiego.com/2011/11/28/sitting-tall/

Cinepolis gives the usual movie theater experience an upgrade to luxury. Today I had 2 special guests- my writing teacher, Mrs. Hinton who first told mom and me about Cinepolis, and my dad, who rarely comes to the theater with mom and me. Mom and I want my dad to see our favorite movie of 2011 “Hugo” with us here.

Perry Chen checking menu at Cinepolis lobby (photo by Zhu Shen)

The lobby of the theater is grand, with leather recliners, 7 HD TVs, elegant décor, and a relaxed ambience. But, the most eye-catching is the bar, where they sell delicious snacks for the theater. The theater features all the typical concession snacks sold at most movie theaters, with a twist, as well as gourmet finger foods like artisan sandwiches, wine, and even fresh sushi! I think the food at Cinepolis is comparable to that of some gourmet restaurants I’ve reviewed!

Perry Chen & mom Zhu Shen at Cinepolis after photo shoot

When we entered the theater, we got our special active 3D glasses, which actively monitor the screen and make the 3D more realistic. In the theater, my mom ordered the short rib sliders, my dad ordered the grilled chicken Caesar wrap, and I got the spicy tuna sushi. I loved my sushi, though it was a bit spicy. My mom’s short rib sliders were very filling and scrumptious. I enjoyed my dad’s wrap which was tasty too. I also ordered delicious caramel popcorn, and my mom got the zebra popcorn. I loved the delicious twist on the typical popcorn concession snack at the movies.

The plush leather chairs are quite large and comfortable, and could even be adjusted to become a recliner! You could relax and watch a great movie while eating gourmet food at Cinepolis. You could order food in the lobby or inside theater. The problem with eating food in a dark theater is that it loses its aesthetic qualities, and being a food critic, I like to judge food by its appearance as well as its taste. Advice: If you want to see the food you’re getting, order it 20 min before screening starts. Also the menu book has a tiny light on it which you can use to see the words in the dark, a nice touch!

Perry Chen at Pacific San Diego magazine photoshoot inside Cinepolis (photo by Zhu Shen)

We watched Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese and my favorite movie of 2011, in the grand cinema. We were lucky to watch it on a weekday, because the general manager told us that the luxury cinemas are packed on weekends! But, at Cinepolis, when you buy your tickets, you can reserve your specific seats. Hugo was still every bit as enjoyable as I first saw it, only the last time I saw it, I wasn’t reclining in a leather chair eating sushi! My review of Hugo:

http://www.perryspreviews.com/?p=3381

http://www.awn.com/blogs/perrys-previews/perry-s-previews-hugo-reveals-magic-cinema (Animation World Network)

The food and the seat sure made the experience much more enjoyable, except in one case. I tried my mom’s zebra popcorn during the theater. The delicious popcorn coated in sweet caramel and drizzled all over with white and milk chocolate is my absolute favorite theater snack! But, during the movie I took an especially large piece of popcorn smothered in tempting chocolate and was about to eat it when I accidentally dropped it in the darkness of the movie. I still have not gotten over the loss of that one crunchy, chocolatey treat…

: Perry Chen enjoying popcorn inside Cinepolis (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen shaking hands with Cinepolis managing director Carlos Wellman (photo by Zhu Shen)

Afterwards, I spoke with the managing director Carlos Wellman and interviewed him over strawberry ice-cream. Carlos told mom and me that Cinepolis opened in Del Mar in July 2011, and business has been great. Two more locations in La Costa and Laguna Niguel will open next. Carlos gave me his opinion on movies too. He thought that 3D might just be a passing fad, and would go away in a few years. Carlos’s thoughts made me think of Hugo, where the Lumiere Brothers, who invented the movies in the late 1800s, believed that films would not have much future either. I wonder what they would say if they saw Hugo in Cinepolis today!

Perry Chen, mom Zhu Shen with Cinepolis managing director Carlos Wellman

Carlos asked me for my opinion about 2D vs. 3D movies. I think that 3D will be very popular in the future though, because it’s all the rage these days, although I personally enjoy animation films in 2D better. But, I don’t think that 3D is just a passing trend because 3D films are more popular with audiences and more films are being made in 3D that became big box office hits (including Avatar and Toy Story 3), especially animation. DreamWorks Animation and Pixar studios will make all their future animation features in 3D. Will 3D films lose their magic, or will they dominate the cinema of the future? Only time will tell.

Speaking of 3D films, I am making my next animation “Stix” in 3D, after making my first, “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest,” in 2D using Toon Boom Studio software on a Wacom tablet. My parents just bought a 42-inch 3D HDTV for the holidays, an upgrade from our old 27-inch 2D TV they bought when I was born. A major reason for buying this 3D TV is for me to work on “Stix,” where I will use it as a monitor. The film is about a young boy who finds a magical pencil, and anything he draws in the air comes to life! The boy draws his own adventure using his creativity and imagination. Next month, I will announce our first corporate sponsor to my 3D animation. Mom Zhu Shen will be my producer again, but I will write, animate, and direct the film myself!

Perry Chen at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas (photo by Zhu Shen)

Perry Chen talking to Brevin Blach (Pacific San Diego director of photography) at Cinepolis photoshoot (photo by Zhu Shen)

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas was a “Perrific!™” experience for me and my family. The cost of movie tickets is about $6-7 more than in other regular cinemas, well worth it in my opinion. I rate the theater and dining experience 4.5 starfish out of 5. If you have a special occasion and are looking for a delicious dinner and an entertaining movie all at once, this is the theater for you! Lots of holiday movies are playing at Cinepolis, check listings and food menu on its website:

http://www.cinepolisusa.com/

————

Perry S. Chen is an award-winning child film critic, artist, animator, and TEDx speaker, currently in 6^th grade from San Diego. He started reviewing movies at age 8 in 3^rd grade using a kid-friendly starfish rating system, and has been featured in CBS, NBC, CNN, NPR, Variety, The Guardian, The China Press, etc. He writes movie reviews for Animation World Network, San Diego Union Tribune, Amazing Kids! Magazine, and his own Perry’s Previews blog. (www.perryspreviews.com) He won an “Excellence in Journalism Award” from San Diego Press Club in 2010 and 2011 for his movie and restaurant reviews, an “Excellence Writer Award” from “We Chinese in America” Magazine in 2010 for his movie review column.

“Ingrid Pitt: Beyond The Forest” is Perry’s first film as the sole animator. The film was acquired in Sep 2011 for worldwide distribution by Shorts International, distributor of Oscar-nominated shorts. The film won a Special Jury Award – “Extraordinary Vision Award” at the Flyway International Film Festival in Pepin, Wisconsin in Oct 2011, and is touring numerous film festivals around the world. The film is among the 45 animation shorts officially announced by Animation Magazine & Animation World Network as 2012 Oscar contenders:

http://www.awn.com/news/short-films/academy-screens-next-oscar-winning-animated-short

http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/academy-screens-45-shorts-for-oscar-consideration/

Perry also animated one scene in Bill Plympton’s award-winning “Guard Dog Global Jam.” Perry and his mom Dr. Zhu Shen are featured in a new book about parenting and youth entrepreneurship, “The Parent’s Guide to Raising CEO Kids,” published in Aug 2011, available on Amazon.com.

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http://ingridpitt.co.uk

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