Ever wonder how all those cute little creatures transform from rough sketches on an artist’s easel to walking, talking, scheming cartoons? ANIMATION featuring Cartoon Network explores just that: The world of cartoons—from storyboarding to character development and drawing techniques to technical aspects like filming, computer programming and voice acting—they’re all covered in this interactive experience. Six learning stations demonstrate the principles of geometry, perception and measurement behind animation. The first stop is “History,” where cartoon-lovers can see the evolution of the craft and try their hand at using a praxinoscope, spinning three-dimensional objects to see them morph into a single animation. Then, move on to the “Animation Studio” to enlarge drawings with a pantograph and create scenes using layered cels and moving backgrounds. Next, characters from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends pop in to show the relationship between art and math in animation at “Art in Motion.” Let out your inner mad scientist in Dexter’s Laboratory, where you’ll “hover” around the room with the help of some visual effects. At the “Sound Stage,” the Kids Next Door demonstrate the complexity of matching phrases to different mouth shapes. Then, add your own voice to a silent animation and set the mood by picking background music. Finally, see clips of popular cartoons and learn behind-the-scenes secrets at the "Cartoon Museum." (Pictured: The kooky cast of characters of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends) Through Sept. 7, Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, $23.95 adults, $21.95 seniors, $19.95 kids ages 2-12, mosi.org.
pon Springs, free; pre-registration recommended, pinellascounty.org.
See Outrage, the nationally-acclaimed documentary about closeted politicians who campaign against the LGBT community to which they secretly belong — Charlie Crist is one of the film's "big fish" — by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick. Check out Joe Bardi's review here. Proceeds benefit WMNF. Visit wmnf.org for tickets and info. 7 p.m. Wed., July 15, Tampa Pitcher Show, 14416 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2009.
