News Headline
Columbia uses unique motion capture technique to create a ‘Monster House’ film
MUMBAI: Hollywood movie studio Columbia Pictures has announced that it will release the film Monster House in July 2006. What makes this film unique is that it will be only the second film after The Polar Express to employ the Performance Capture innovation developed by Sony Pictures Imageworks.
The difficult technique captures the facial movements of the stars that do voiceovers for characters in an animated film. In the US the film will also be released in more than 100 theaters in Real D’s digital 3-D forma at the same time as the 2D release. Sony Pictures president domestic distribution Rory Bruer says, “Monster House is the perfect film for REAL D’s innovative technology. It literally adds another dimension to the filmgoing experience and enhances the film’s entertainment value.”
Sony Pictures Imageworks president Tim Sarnoff said, “As a leader in visual effects and character animation, we are constantly developing new technologies to enable filmmakers to tell their stories. Real D Cinema truly enables a movie-goer to experience a film versus just watching it and we look forward to working with them on such an exciting project.”
The animated Monster House tells the tale about three kids who must battle with a mysterious home that is determined to eat every trick or treater in sight on Halloween. Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin James, and Jason Lee are among the stars who have lent their voices to the endeavour.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
