Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival launches exciting new training initiative for Animation Producers
Skwigly
Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival is launching an exciting new training initiative with the support of the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund. Organised in partnership with the University of the West of England and Aardman Animations, this unique five day residential course is aimed at developing business, entrepreneurial and creative skills in animation production.
The scheme has been funded by the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund as part of A Bigger Future 2, the UK film skills strategy. The Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund is supported by the National Lottery from the BFI and the film industry through the Skills Investment Fund.
Delivered by some of the most successful and acclaimed producers in the UK, the event will examine the vital relationship between creative and producer roles in animation, exploring traditional methods and practices with a focus on challenging contemporary production issues with multi-platform, digital and 3D technologies.
Taking place in Bristol from 17 – 21 September 2012 during the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival’s 18th edition, it will involve a mix of emerging and experienced animation producers, bringing together people with both creative and organisational/management skills. This is a professional development course; participants will be expected to have previous skills and knowledge in animation production. The course is designed for established producers and animation professionals wishing to change career into animation production. In line with Creative Skillset’s diversity targets applications are particularly welcome from Female, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Disabled participants. A maximum of 15 places are available: applications will be accepted until 15 July.
Animated Encounters Programme Manager Kieran Argo said: “This course responds to a continuing need within the animation industry for production training, and is a valuable opportunity with tangible benefits for both aspiring and established professionals. The particular focus on both the creative and producer roles in animation makes this a unique opportunity especially as it is being taught by some of the most successful and outstanding UK producers. As a creative centre of excellence in animation and home to the UK’s leading short film and animation festival, Bristol is the perfect location to develop such an initiative.”
Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset, said, “The UK’s animation industry has a world class reputation, and the proposed tax incentive for animation will create the opportunity for significant growth, increasing the demand for skills in this sector. Creative Skillset is working with partners to support the sector in preparing for growth, and the Creative Business of Producing Animation is a fantastic training initiative that will help make sure that the UK animation industry maintains its competitive edge and continues to grow successfully in the global marketplace.”
The structure of the training will be two intensive days of seminars and discussions followed by a further three days of workshops, screenings and networking events as part of the Encounters festival, where participants will have the chance to engage with key animation industry professionals.
Participants will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Aardman Animation studios in Bristol city centre – home of commercials, shorts, distribution and digital – and meet both business and creative Aardman staff.
The course fees are £500 (including 5 nights accommodation and meals), £350 (excluding accommodation for Bristol/Bath based participants). Venues will be primarily the YHA Bristol and the Arnolfini in Bristol, UK. More information can be found at www.encounters-festival.org.uk.