Friday, August 22nd, 2008
A comedy film festival is serious business, as you can tell from the recently released line up for next month’s English Riviera International Comedy Film Festival.
If you liked this story, you could buy us a coffeeSunday, August 17th, 2008
Oooo, a little bit of politics, as Ben Elton used to say. The Torquay Fringe Film event could not go by without nurturing some political satire. But Michael Bett’s love of animation seems to be the inspiration for his film Escape from Kirkuk rather than the global arena of international politics, and if satire teaches us anything it teaches us tautology.
Q: Why a satrical animation on Iraq?
A: Well, there are two reasons really, one reason you may not be quite prepared for. But first, it started just before Iraq was invaded but American troops were in Afghanistan. I kind of stumbled on the idea by accident really, but tensions were at a high between the west and Saddam. People spoke of the theory that America was only interested in Iraq’s oil and so on.
That’s the political excuse, even though I don’t really have an interest in politics, it’s what I heard floating around at the time, and since. But the timing was kinda incidental.
My second reason is merely this, I am an artist and am always trying to create stuff, and I always wanted to make a movie. After several small attempts, I finally got the ball rolling, experimenting and such. The beauty of animation is you don’t need actors, and being an artist I usually work alone, but as you will see the list of credits, much help was needed.
Anyway, I just bought some black sculpting wax to experiment with as an art medium. I found that it was quite pliable and so I made a five second animation of a Morph-style man, and my friend and I animated him moving around on a chair, just to test out the equipment really. I had a brainwave of creating an oil-man, then an action adventure film with him escaping something. Then my idea spiralled out of control over a two-year filming period on a very, very low budget. So this was the beginning, and all the politics kinda kicked in from there. In fact as I was filming it we were currently at war with Saddam, so it became more and more topical.
Q: What’s your background?
A: I am an artist, the struggling kind that makes little money. I live in Paignton and have had a little college education and am a huge movie fan. Not much to talk about background wise except I have attempted many little artistic and film adventures. Mostly either let down by no money or other annomilies. Or just plain old no luck. In fact this is my first festival. Aside from a small Cornish screening that my friend showed this film at, to which he reported it got a standing ovation, I was not present to witness it.
Q: Is this your first animation?
A: Kind of, I guess. I made a sci-fi film during my last year of school – which took me a year to make in my lunchbreaks. But this was not animated as such, it is only now that I have really had the technology to make an animation, thanks to digital cameras and PC editing software. But, the school film I made was puppets kinda like Thunderbirds. It’s the model making and artwork that I specialize in, something that I regret about Escape from Kirkuk, as it doesn’t show off my actual true talents, its more an editing and compositing exercise, but that’s due to the way it all came about.
If I had actually set out to make this film from scratch I’m sure it would of been a different subject. I also made puppets in 1997 for a proposed film that I wanted to make, but never had the technology or backing to make it. But I was proud of my puppets/set pieces and props. One day it will get made I hope.
Q: What other films are you working on?
A: Currently none at the moment, I have recently gone self employed as a freelance artist, creating posters, flyers, and sculpting monsters and such, as well as building up a portfolio. I’ve just finished an illustrated children’s picture book that I want to get published. So, film projects have taken a back seat for now. I also have a movie script on the go at the moment which hopefully will be noticed by Hollywood. But my ideal film job is working on special effects for film. Such as designing monsters/zombies and characters for big FX films like Batman or Star Wars.
Q: What’s your inspiration?
A: Well, if you mean inspiration by day to day inspiration? I guess watching movies and talking about them a lot. I hit the IGN movie boards on the net everyday and become a geek at midnight. My friends inspire me too, they egg me on to do more.
I love how films before digital were made. I appreciate the art of movie making, especially the old ways. Films like Empire Strikes back, Back to the Future, where real models were built and animated over a year. The scenery was painted on glass and it was flawless. Nothing was fake, yet it was fake at the same time. That is my main inspiration. Also the prospect of making enough cash to make bigger and better things. One day a Hollywood blockbuster (I’m not ashamed to admit it.)
Q: Who do you admire?
A: Well, you could probably guess from my previous answers, but George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Stan Winston and many others. Don’t get me wrong, I love British films, but generally British films have more script orientated properties, but I like the visual side more, the side many take for granted. A good balance of both is perfect.
George Lucas, for example, made me not only love films, love special effects wizardry but he also made me love art in many respects, too. Also the struggle that he went through to get his films made, including facing rejection. And look at him now! King of his castle with his own empire to boot. Spielberg I also like, for his fantastic variety of films from Indiana Jones to Saving Private Ryan. Excellent in his field of work. And Stan Winston, the man behind the scenes that has brought some of cinemas most famous creations to life. From the Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to the Terminator/Alien creatures. Everyone has seen some of his work, but not everyone knows it.
Q: What’s next in terms of your career?
A: Well, aside from the mission of getting this childrens book published, I am kinda wondering into the unknown. One difference is that I feel 2008 is somehow going to be my year. But why or how I dont fully know. But I sense myself getting very creative this year. And maybe stepping closer to what ever I’m supposed to do in life. But having my film, which has been sat lazily on a shelf for a long time, shown at this festival is very encouraging. And feels like a part of what ever is in store.
TOMORROW: We’re still in Torquay, talking to the man behind the International Comedy Festival
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If you liked this story, you could buy us a coffeeSunday, August 17th, 2008
The View From Here, the South Devon celebration of film and moving image, is back for a week of superb events from December 1 to December 5, so leave a space in your diary.
Last year, one of the many highlights of the festival was the showing of Deep Water, the film about Donald Crowhurst’s attempt to circumnavigate the world – in Teignmouth, the town where he set off from (yup, that’s the trailer at the top of the page).
The sailer set off from the town, and after the show co-director Jerry Rothwell and Donald’s son Simon Crowhurst talked about the film and the events. It was the first time Simon had returned to the site where he waved his father goodbye.
Here’s a film of the Q&A which took place after the screening
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Sunday, August 17th, 2008
Catch up with Chris Chilton, computer games and animation manager, at Skillset, during the Talent at the Roots event of the Animate and Educate Conference, during Animated Exeter 2008, phew. Check downpage, as we don’t say in the trade for dates and deadlines of next year’s Animated Exeter (but just as a heads up, that means to deadline for films is at the end of September - see below for more details).
Tomorrow: Clive Lissaman during the Talent at the Roots debate
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Saturday, August 16th, 2008
There is more ‘youth-led’ funding available than ever before. But what does this actually mean for young people and those trying to access this funding to support their media initiatives and activities? With a panel comprising of funders and those working with and for young people we will discuss the opportunities, pitfalls and best practise to facilitate and sustain youth-led media projects. Here’s Carolyn Hassan of Knowle West Media Centre talking about such things.
Tomorrow: Chris Chilton during the Talent at the Roots debate
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Saturday, August 16th, 2008
Pitch Perfect, part of the Animate and Educate Conference that took place during Animated Exeter 2008. This is the final part on all you need to know about making your idea get made.
Pitch Perfect
Learn how to professionalise yourself and your ideas and how to pitch them to a commissioning editor with advice from a team of experts.
Chair: Marion Edwards, Red and Blue Productions
Panel: Emma McGonigle, Recruitment, Moving Picture Company
Tim Searle, director of Triffic Films
David Feedman, senior development manger, Disney Channel Worldwide
Lucy Murphy, Independent Animation Producer
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Friday, August 15th, 2008
Andy Wyatt continues his doodling dedication and digital dialogue at Animated Exeter’s Educate and Animate 2008 conference.
From Doodles to a Digital Future
Andy Wyatt, director of Digital Animation at University College Falmouth, explains what opportunities are available, and the skills young people can be learning if they are interested in a career in animation. Andy’s career in animation spans 20 years including animation director at Honeycomb Animation, creative director of Fictitious Egg, and series director at Aardman Animations.
From Doodles to a Digital Future
Tomorrow: Independent Minds? Funding issues for young filmmakers with Carolyn Hassan of the Knowle West Media Centre
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Friday, August 15th, 2008
Pitch Perfect is all about hitting the right note (gosh, I should do this for a living). Find out how by watching this film and listening to the podcast and then going out and trying it on friends, neighbours and people in queues. If anyone gives you money to develop your idea, then you’re doing it right. If not, come straight back here and watch it again.
Pitch Perfect
Learn how to professionalise yourself and your ideas and how to pitch them to a commissioning editor with advice from a team of experts.
Chair: Marion Edwards, Red and Blue Productions
Panel: Emma McGonigle, Recruitment, Moving Picture Company
Tim Searle, director of Triffic Films
David Feedman, senior development manger, Disney Channel Worldwide
Lucy Murphy, Independent Animation Producer
Pitch Perfect, part two
Tomorrow: Pitch Perfect part three
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008
Andy Wyatt talks doodles, digital and, err, something else beginning with d at the Animate and Educate Conference during Animated Exeter 2008
From Doodles to a Digital Future
Andy Wyatt, director of Digital Animation at University College Falmouth, explains what opportunities are available, and the skills young people can be learning if they are interested in a career in animation. Andy’s career in animation spans 20 years including animation director at Honeycomb Animation, creative director of Fictitious Egg, and series director at Aardman Animations.
From Doodles to a Digital Future
Tomorrow: Part two of Andy Wyatt’s Doodlings
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008
Pitching - it’s like Scooby Doo meets the Wombles with Wallace and Gromit-type humour. Well, maybe not. Find out how to pitch your ideas with these industry experts during the Animate and Educate Conference at Animated Exeter 2008.
Pitch Perfect
Learn how to professionalise yourself and your ideas and how to pitch them to a commissioning editor with advice from a team of experts.
Chair: Marion Edwards, Red and Blue Productions
Panel: Emma McGonigle, Recruitment, Moving Picture Company
Tim Searle, director of Triffic Films
David Feedman, senior development manger, Disney Channel Worldwide
Lucy Murphy, Independent Animation Producer
Pitch Perfect, part one
Tomorrow: Pitch Perfect part two
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Clive Lissaman, Skilset’s London education business manager, talks about the roots of talent during the Talent at the Roots debate during Animate and Educate, part of Animated Exeter 2008
Tomorrow: Pitch Perfect part one
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Here’s part two of Curtis Jobling looking at his life in crayon at the Animate and Educate Conference at the 2008 Animated Exeter Event
My Life in Crayon
Curtis Jobling, on character design. Curtis is a veteran of the animation and publishing world, as a designer, writer and concept developer. Probably best known as designer of the BAFTA winning Bob the Builder, his early work included Wallace & Gromit’s Oscar-winning A Close Shave and the Tim Burton movie, Mars Attacks! His new animated BBC show, Frankenstein’s Cat, airs in January. Curtis will discuss the process of character design for successful film and TV shows.
Tomorrow: From Doodles to a Digital Future, with Falmouth University’s Andy Wyatt
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
As part of our Animated Exeter summer reprise season - that’s us showing the films of the Animate and Educate Conference, here’s Curtis Jobling
My Life in Crayon
Curtis Jobling, on character design. Curtis is a veteran of the animation and publishing world, as a designer, writer and concept developer. Probably best known as designer of the BAFTA winning Bob the Builder, his early work included Wallace & Gromit’s Oscar-winning A Close Shave and the Tim Burton movie, Mars Attacks! His new animated BBC show, Frankenstein’s Cat, airs in January. Curtis will discuss the process of character design for successful film and TV shows.
Tomorrow: Part two of My Life in Crayon
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Monday, August 11th, 2008
Part two of the Talent at the Roots event at the Animate and Educate Conference, which took place during Animated Exeter 2008
Talent at the Roots
Are 14-19s the new hope for tomorrow animation industry? How are 14-19s developing their skills? What future can they expect in the UK animation industry? The first Creative Media Diplomas Launch in 2008, what impact will they have and how will young people benefit?
Chair: Martina Bramkamp, senior lecturer in Animation at London College of Communication
Panel: Mike Milne, director of computer animation at Framestore CFC
Chris Chilton, computer games and animation manager, Skillset
Clive Lissaman, London Education Business Manager, Skillset
talent at the roots, part two
Tomorrow: Bob the Builder’s very own Curtis Jobling, Armed with a Crayon and a character to develop
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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Sunday, August 10th, 2008
We caught up with the Talent at the Roots event at the Animate and Educate Conference, which took place during Animated Exeter 2008
Talent at the Roots
Are 14-19s the new hope for tomorrow animation industry? How are 14-19s developing their skills? What future can they expect in the UK animation industry? The first Creative Media Diplomas Launch in 2008, what impact will they have and how will young people benefit?
Chair: Martina Bramkamp, senior lecturer in Animation at London College of Communication
Panel: Mike Milne, director of computer animation at Framestore CFC
Chris Chilton, computer games and animation manager, Skillset
Clive Lissaman, London Education Business Manager, Skillset
Talent at the Roots, part one
Tomorrow: Talent at the Roots, part two
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Animated Exeter - February 13 - 21, 2009 (Schools week February 9 -13)
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