Since 1980, quarterly publication Cinefex Magazine has been the go-to resource for VFX artists, professionals, and enthusiasts. This visual effects "bible" is also a time capsule of sorts, that has captured and documented the evolution of movie magic for the past 3 decades, and now they want to bring all of it to you digitally. Subscribers can currently access Cinefex issues, as well as a number of back issues on their iPads, computers, as well as physical copies, but publishing company New Scribbler Press wants to bring you every single issue -- from the 1st to the latest -- digitally, and on their interactive publishing platform. They just need a little help.
If you've never read or looked inside an issue of Cinefex, it's probably best described as an incredibly detailed compilation of bonus feature DVDs and behind-the-scene featurettes of your favorite VFX flicks -- only in magazine form. Issues are full of photos, articles, and in-depth accounts from some of the greatest VFX filmmakers and artists in history, willing to share their invaluable knowledge with those who want to know.
Highly respected visual effects professionals vouch for Cinefex. Adam Savage (MythBusters) says, “It is a PhD degree in film special effects," while James Cameron calls it the "one true source" to "expand your vision."
New Scribbler Press has undertaken the effort of licensing over 30 years of rare and costly issues of Cinefex,in order to make all 126 issues available to readers on their iPads as the "Cinefex Classic Collection. They have started a Kickstarter campaign to pay for licensing fees as well as funding the transition of the archived issues into a new format. Check out their Kickstarter video below to learn more about the campaign.
New Scribbler Press isn't just making each page a PDF -- they're taking it a step further by developing a new publishing format that is both interactive and customizable.
Since they plan on making every issue searchable, you will be able to search for names, films, tools, techniques, etc. in a keyword search. Photo galleries will be available, which NSP has optimized for the best display possible. Also, you'll be able to highlight and share text within each issue, making reading Cinefex a social experience.
If you're interested in the world of visual effects, it looks like Cinefex sets the standard in terms of industry publications. Having all of those years of information and history at your fingertips is quite exciting -- at least to me.
The calculated cost of getting your hands on every printed back issue is somewhere around $2500 (based on eBay auction prices,) but once the digital copies become available on iTunes, the cost for the "Cinefex Classic Collection (126 back issues) will be $499, or pay $4.99 per issue. However, you can get the entire collection if you pledge $250 or more on their Kickstarter campaign.
Check out their Kickstarter campaign here, and if you're interested in subscribing to current issues of Cinefex, visit their website.
Do you read Cinefex? Do you think it's a good resource for VFX professionals? Let us know in the comments.
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