Cassiopeia (1996 film)

Cassiopeia is a 1996 Brazilian animated feature film, produced and released by NDR Filmes in Brazil on April 1, 1996.

Cassiopeia
DVD cover for Cassiopeia.
Directed byClóvis Veira
Written byAloisio Castro
José Feliciano
Robin Geld
Clóvis Vieira
Produced byNello de'Rossi
StarringOsmar Prado
Jonas Mello
Aldo César
Marcelo Campos
Cassius Romero
Rosa Maria Barolli
Edited byMarc de'Rossi
Music byVicente Sálvia
Distributed byNDR Filmes (Brazil)
Hoyts (Australia)
Release dates
April 1, 1996 (Brazil)
June 21, 1996 (Australia)
Running time
80 minutes
CountriesBrazil
Australia[citation needed]
LanguagePortuguese
BudgetUS$ 1.5 million

The film is an adventure about the invasion of planet Ateneia by intruders trying to steal their energy. This film claims to be the first entirely computer-generated feature film. The earlier Toy Story employed clay models that were later scanned and digitized, while Cassiopeia used only software to create its visuals.[1] The film was released soon after Toy Story.[2]

Plot edit

The planet Ateneia, located in the constellation of Cassiopeia, is attacked by space invaders who begin to drain its vital energy. A distress signal is sent into outer space by the local astronomer, Liza, and received by four heroes – Chip, Chop, Feel and Thot – who travel across the galaxy to the rescue. The heroes venture through the galaxy facing many dangers as they try to rescue Ateneia. Each has a specific function in their spaceship: Chop is the captain and pilot, Feel and Thot monitor space, and Chip is the gunman, working also as comic relief throughout. Liza is an astronomer in Ateneia's main laboratory, working on all of the scientific details of the planet's life. On the way to defeat the evil forces of Shadowseat, the foursome meet Leonardo, a scientist from an undeveloped planet who creates crazy gadgets.

Development edit

Production began in 1992 with environment and character modelling and the creation of the script. Animation began in 1993, and the image-generation work was completed in 1995. The soundtrack was finished later that year, and the first copy was printed in early 1996.

The film was animated using Crystal Graphics’ Topas Animator, running on seventeen 486 DX2–66 computers. The first character model was made on a 20 MHz 386 SX. Cassiopeia's animation team was composed of seven computer animators, three traditional animators (who served as consultants and directors of animation), and some freelancers. Mid-way through production some of the computers were stolen, requiring some scenes to be re-animated.

Voice cast edit

Actor Character
Osmar Prado Leonardo
Jonas Mello Shadowseat
Marcelo Campos Chip
Cassius Romero Chop
Fábio Moura Feel
Hermes Barolli Thot
Rosa Maria Barolli Liza

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "HISTÓRIA DE DEZ ANOS DE PRODUÇÃO DIGITAL INCLUI BRASILEIROS". Ciência e Cultura (in Brazilian Portuguese). 58 (3): 56–57. September 2006. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  2. ^ Paulo Camargo (February 1, 1996). "'Cassiopéia' disputa pioneirismo com 'Toy Story'". Folha de S.Paulo. Retrieved 7 April 2020.

External links edit