Registration Open for ASK: Animation Support Kit – An Online Program for Stop Motion Filmmakers
Skwigly
How do you make a character roll their eyes in a characteristic way? What should a shrew’s fur be made of to make it look natural? What is one supposed to do to make a puppet’s animation not only showy, but also effective? If creators of animated films want to ask specific questions related to mastering solutions, they may do so by talking to recognised practitioners as Tim Allen or Magdalena Bieszczak as part of the ASK: Animation Support Kit. This debuting program for professionals has been developed by MOMAKIN and registration has just opened for consultations and workshop on animatics.
The ASK project, implemented entirely online, is both an advisory scheme, as well as the opportunity to acquire new skills. Its first edition consists of consultations with experts in terms of stop motion puppet design and animation, as well as of a 3-week specialist workshop for those who are interested in creating an animatic, which represents an inseparable element in the film production process. As a result of joint workshop, learn how to produce a high-quality animatic with British animator Martin Bell (an experienced visualisation supervisor who has worked on the titles including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Cinderella, Aladdin, and the latest 007 film No Time to Die).
When asked how the idea to prepare a permanent offer arose, Paulina Zacharek of MOMAKIN, the organiser of the ANIMARKT Stop Motion Forum – the only event in the world that addresses stop motion animation – explains how it came from the experience of the training section implemented during the forum:
Projects in the field of professional development in the animation industry constitute an important profile of our activity. We have been working for a long time on creating a practical proposal that provides specific implementation solutions. The recent months have only accelerated our activities and have been crucial in terms of going into the online form.
Experienced animation creators and artists specialising in stop motion films were invited to cooperate with the ASK. Among the experts are: Tim Allen, a British animator (Corpse Bride and Fantastic Mr. Fox); Magda Bieszczak, currently employed in the American studio Laika; plus Sylwia Nowak, Piotr Knabe, and Marcin Zalewski – artists who have many stop-motion productions in their portfolio, including Isle of Dogs and the Oscar-winning Peter & the Wolf, directed by Suzie Templeton.
Each of us in our work faces various challenges trying to realise our vision. Sometimes we are unable to move on because of even a minor obstacle. Talking to a more experienced creator makes finding workable techniques much faster. Learning from those who’ve already encountered similar problems and have a wealth of solutions is crucial.
– Tim Allen, one of the ASK experts
During the one-hour ASK consultation one can professionally discuss selected issues regarding a specific animated project – either planned or in production (at any stage of development). Participation in the workshop on animatic can take place regardless of the selected consultations. If someone wishes to take part in it, they must be fluent in the use of the Adobe CC software environment (Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects).
There are 10 slots waiting for those willing to study under the watchful eye of Martin Bell. Paulina Zacharek emphasises:
We have managed to get great specialists engaged to cooperate with us. If the project is positively received, we will be preparing for further editions.
Registration has just opened – applications will be accepted until 15th July 2020. Both the consultation and workshop will be taking place between 20th July and 10th August.. The cost of participation in the project amounts to EUR 195 per one-hour consultation (discounts shall apply when buying more hours) and EUR 295 for the workshop.
Details, rules of participation in the project and the application forms are available at: momakin.pl/en/nasze-projekty/ask-animation-support-kit.
Skwigly Animation Magazine is the media patron of the ASK: Animation Support Kit.