Breaking the Mould

Great news! Rebecca Manley and Luca Paulli's Breaking the Mould (2007) completed as part of the University of Wales Newport’s Animator in Residence scheme, where a filmmaker spends one month in the university working with the students, has been shortlisted for DepicT! 2008.


Breaking the Mould from Luca Paulli on Vimeo

To vote for the film go here: http://www.depict.org/shortlists/232

To find out more about Rebecca, Luca and the film go here: http://www.depict.org/news/92

Newport's Animator in Residence scheme is funded by Skillset Screen Academy Wales.

Homeland performed with live music!

Last month Jonay's graduation film Homeland (2007) was screened at the ICA in London as part of the Open Rehearsal and the Cultural Olympiad launch. Homeland was screened, as Jonay originally intended, with the live original music for prepared piano performed by the composer and Big Bang Lab director Sergio López Figueroa. Homeland has been well received by the festival circuit and has to date been screened at the following festivals:

-St. Petersburg Open Student Film Festival (Russia) : Sept 25-30
-Animasyros Animation Festival (Greece) : Sept 19-21
-Animadrid Animation Festival (Spain): Sept 30th
-Balkanima animation festival (Serbia) : Oct 7th -11th
-Optica Paris (France) : Oct 4th.
-Canarias Mediafest (Spain) : Oct 28th - Nov 1st.
London International Animation Festival (UK)
Melbourne International Animation Festival (Australia)
Animofest Animation Festival (Slovakia)
London Spanish Film Festival (UK)
Huesca International Shortfilm Festival (Spain)
Animated Exeter (UK)
Proyectaragon (Spain)
Optica Festival (Spain)
Finest Films, University of Wales, Newport (UK)
Adobe Media Event in London (UK)
Scife short film festival (Spain)
Black&White short film festival (Portugal)
Hebden Bridge Festival (UK)
Imaginaria Film Festival (Italy)
Asolo Art Film Festival (Italy)
VII Muestra de Cortos Aragoneses (Spain)

To keep up to date about Jonay and his film, browse to http://www.thisishomeland.com/. Below is Jonay's latest showreel:


Jonay O Urbina reel sept08 from Jonay O Urbina on Vimeo.

Matthew Walker's Domestic Space

Matthew Walker has a new blog. Unlike his other blogs, he aspires to keep this one updated. Matthew is currently working on his new film entitled Little Face commissioned as part of the Digital Shorts scheme for Southwest Screen and the British Film Council. For more insight browse to http://domesticspace.blogspot.com/.

Matthew Walker - UK Star of Tomorrow!

Matthew Walker has been named Screen International's UK Stars of Tomorrow – well done Matthew Walker!

Further details:
http://www.encounters-festival.org.uk/news/DepicT-News.html
http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=39809

Aardman Talent show

The Aardman talent show earlier this year. 5 BA/MA Newport students displayed work - all really well received.

Atem, by Gordon Emanuel

Atem, Gordon Emanuel, 2008

Edinburgh Film Festival

MA graduate Firman Machda's 'Empty Space', Felix Massie's Keith Reynolds and Matthew Walker's 'Operator' will be screened at the Edinburgh Film festival on June 23rd - 29th.

'Empty Space' and Felix Massie's 'Keith Reynolds Can't Make It Tonight' is in Trailblazer screening on the 23rd Operator is in the Maclaren Animation 2 screening.

http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Computer Arts Graduate Showcase

Firman Machda's 'Empty Space' will be featured in the Computer Arts Magazine's Graduate Showcase 2008. Well done Firman, this is very prestigious!

More success for Gus!

Gustavo Arteaga's film 'The Barter' (2006) has been selected for Hiroshima Film Festival 2008.

http://hiroanim.org/

The Barter at LIAF

More success for Gus Arteaga's film 'The Barter' has been selected for the London International Animation Festival.

Operator coming soon to your local cinema

Great news for AIR SCHEME Film!
Lionsgate have chosen 'Operator' to go out on the Digital Screen Network with their release of The Edge of Love There’s a full list of participating sites at: http://www.depict.org/news/79

This is a depict initiative in association with Arts Alliance to get the shorts out to a wider audience in cinemas.

Newport Animation graduates interviewed on The Culture Show Uncut!

Multi-award winning Newport graduates Tom Brown and Daniel Gray with their graduation film ‘t.o.m.’ (2006) were interviewed by Mark Kermode on ‘The Culture Show Uncut’ last Friday. The film and interview are available on iPlayer until Friday http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00c6w1q.shtml and slide the time bar to 53m30s.

Tom and Dan to date have received 28 international awards including winning Newport ‘Best Graduation Film 2007’ at Annecy International Animation Festival for the second year running, ‘Best Student Film 2006’ at Norwich International Animation Festival, ‘Cartoon D’or Nomination 2006’ at Encounters International Short Film Festival, ‘Honorable Mention for Short Filmmaking 2007’ at the Sundance Film Festival and most recently, two awards at the British Animation Awards 2008.

Having recently signed with Blacklist and Picasso Pictures for North America and Europe respectively, Holbrook’s Films have just directed their first commercial and are currently developing a script for another short film.

more success for Felix!

Felix Massie's film 'Keith Reynolds Can't make it tonight' can also be viewed in the following up and coming Animation Festivals...

Curta Vila do Conde
Con Can - Japan ( internet Festival)
AnimaMundi Brazil
MIFF in Melbourne.

ANNECY 2008!

Annecy 08 turned out to be a fruitful affair...23 students braved the variable weather in the Belvedere - campsite of choice for the last 5 years.

Some excellent films programmed including 'Operator' by Matthew Walker, our Newport Animator in Residence film from 2007, plus 'Keith Reynolds can't make it Tonight' by Felix Massie, 2007 graduate.

The students made use of the surgeries and attended conferences - feedback from which was all very good.

This was the second year that we've run a stand at the Mifa Market, and we attracted a lot of interest - both for recruiting graduates and giving them a chance to display work internationally, and for attracting new students.

Not many Photos this year - too busy rushing around! I've thrown in a couple from last year for good measure...

Skillset Graduate Animation Showcase 2008 Update!

Our previous post regarding our London screening wrongly stated the venue as the BAFTA Building, Piccadilly. It seems in reality it will be held at The Vaults, RSA instead. Full details below...

YOU ARE INVITED…

You are invited to meet the best of the next generation of talented animators at the Skillset Animation & Games Art Showcase.

An informal exhibition space will allow the best graduating students from the network of industry endorsed courses to showcase their innovative and inspiring work. Come along anytime between 4pm-7pm to meet some of the brightest and best new UK animators, hear about their work and network informally over a drink.

Space is limited, so please RSVP to guarantee your place by registering at:
www.skillset.org/animation/showcase

TUESDAY 1st JULY 2008

Timings:
Drop in any time
between 4pm and 7pm

Venue:
The Vaults
RSA
8 John Adam Street
London WC2N 6EZ

Into The Inkwell (2007)

During the first semester of their second year, students are given a chance to attend workshops in 2D, CG or Stop-Motion animation. They are then required to produce a 30 second film using their chosen discipline.

Into The Inkwell was created by Rhiannon Evans. It was made using Stop Motion Pro and edited with Avid. The music was created by Mark Boden, a student at the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama.

Animation Degree Shows 2008

UNIVERSITY OF WALES, NEWPORT ANIMATION DEGREE SHOWS 2008

You have been formally invited to view an eclectic mix of short, animated films brought to you by the internationally renowned, multi-award winning animation degrees* at the University of Wales, Newport. This year, the continued success of our graduate films has prompted us to provide a plethora of events throughout south Wales and south England.

Envisage by Josh White

NEWPORT

Graduate Show
University of Wales, Newport, Caerleon Campus, NP18 3QT

Private Viewing:
Friday 30 May, 18:00-22:00

Public Viewing:
Saturday 3 May – Friday 6 June, 10:00-17:00

Screenings will also being shown (10.:00, 13:00, 16:00) at The Riverfront, Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport, NP20 1HG

For a full programme of events please see website:
http://artschool.newport.ac.uk/

Contacts:
t: 01633 432432
e: graduateshow@newport.ac.uk

RE:Generation by Cat Davis and Priya Mistry

CARDIFF

IFSW Finest Films Award Ceremony
Cineworld, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EN
Wednesday 18 June 18:00-22:00

As part of the International Film School Wales, join us in celebrating the finest selection of this years' graduate films plus special guests. Reception available.

Crescendo by Rob Evans and Mike O'Sullivan

BRISTOL

Bristol Animation Screening
Tuesday 24 June, 19:00-23:00
Hen and Chicken, Bedminster, 210 North Street, BS3 1JF

Back by popular demand, join us again in celebrating the finest selection of this years' graduate films. Reception available.

Ontogenesis by Anna Adoniu

LONDON

Skillset Showcase Event
Tuesday 1 July, 16:00-19:00
The Vaults, RSA, 8 John Adam Street, WC2N 6EZ

As part of our double Skillset accreditation come meet the students at this years' Skillset Showcase Event. Registration required www.skillset.org/animation/showcase. For more details please contact Sarah Afzal saraha@skillset.org.

Checkmate by Danial Rees

For more information about these events:
w: http://animation.newport.ac.uk/
t: 01633 432432
e: james.manning@newport.ac.uk

Sh*t Happens by Andrew Grindle

*ABOUT US

The internationally renowned, multi-award winning animation degrees at University of Wales, Newport have been consistent in producing some of the most prestigious and successful graduate films from within the UK.

t.o.m. (2006) by Tom Brown and Daniel Gray

Selected awards:
British Animation Awards 2008: Winner, Student Film and (co-winner) Public Choice Award
Ottawa International Animation Festival 2007 : Winner, Best Graduate Animation
Cartoon D’or 2007: Finalist
Annecy International Animation Festival 2007: Winner, Best Graduation Film
Royal Television Society Student Awards 2006: Winner, Best Undergraduate Animation

Astronauts (2005) by Matthew Walker

Selected awards:
Annecy International Animation Festival 2006: Winner, Best Graduation Film
Melbourne International Animation Festival 2006: Winner, Best Animated Short
British Animation Awards 2006: Winner, Best Student Film
Royal Television Society Student Awards 2005: Winner, Best Undergraduate Animation

Edinburgh Film Festival

MA graduate Firman Machda's 'Empty Space' and Matthew Walker's 'Operator' will be screened at the Edinburgh Film festival on June 23rd - 29th. Empty Space is in the Trailblazer screening on the 23rd and Operator is in the Maclaren Animation 2 screening.

http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk

recent speakers

Marion Edwards (Red and Blue Productions), Joanna Quinn (Beryl Productions), Bill Plympton (independent filmmaker).

Newport Animator in Residence Scheme 2008

The Scheme
The University of Wales, Newport Animation Department at the Screen Academy, Wales are offering a one month residency to an experienced animator/ director working in any medium (2D/3D Stop motion/3D CG). This will take place in May 2008 (to be negotiated with the successful applicant).

You will be an inspiring creative who can work quickly and economically with students to develop an innovative time-based piece of work on a topic of your choice. You will be someone who can explore and explode the conventions of the medium of animation to produce either a narrative or non-narrative film.

Details
The successful director will work with a small group of students over a month long period to a complete a 30-60 seconds film with sound.

He/She will deliver a 2 day workshop for under/post-graduate students relating to their specialism.

He/She will deliver a public screening of his/her work at the end of the project. This will form part of the degree show activities in June 2008.

Who is eligible?
The scheme will be open to all English speaking European filmmakers, including UK nationals, and we would particularly welcome applications from filmmakers with experience in non-UK animation practice, in keeping with our broad cultural remit.

Equipment
We have a wide range of equipment at your disposal, and can accommodate work in any medium. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Animation Office.

Submission Guidelines
Applicants must submit a proposal containing the following:

• a synopsis, treatment and storyboard;
• a budget and work schedule;
• a CV/biography/filmography;
• a DVD or VHS showreel of work.

Fee
You will be paid £2000, plus accommodation.

Deadline for submissions:
7th March 2008

About the Newport Animation Department
The South West of Britain is recognised as a hub for national and international animation practice. At the heart of this region – between Cardiff and Bristol – is the prestigious Animation Department at Newport. Our programmes fuel the industry by setting new standards in creativity and innovation, cultivating some of the most significant contemporary practitioners in the UK. In recognition of this, we have recently become one of only 6 other programmes to be endorsed by Skillset, a UK governmental body that aims to encourage liaison between industry and educational establishments. This kitemark means that we can continue to enhance and develop our links with industry bodies both nationally and internationally and we are entering a very exciting phase in our development.

For more information about this scheme, please contact:

Caroline Parsons
+44 (0)1633 432182
caroline.parsons@newport.ac.uk

Please send your submissions to:

Animator in Residence 2008
C/O Caroline Parsons
Caerleon Campus
PO Box 179
Newport
NP18 3YG
UK

Previous AiR work

Flighty (2006)
Leigh Hodgkinson


With an average lifespan of just a few weeks, speed-dating seems the perfect solution for butterflies.


Leigh lives and works in London as ananimator/designer/compositor on various TV/web/film projects. Leigh worked for a year and a half as art director on Tiger Aspect's great first series of Charlie and Lola (26 x 10 minute episodes based on the books by Lauren Child).

Winner 2006 DepicT! Animation Award and 2006 Orange DepicT! Audience Award

Operator (2007)
Matthew Walker


Bored on a rainy Sunday afternoon a man makes a phone call. He is very surprised when He answers, if only he had a decent question to ask Him.

Matthew Walker is a writer, director and animator based in Bristol. In 2005 he graduated from the University of Wales Newport where he made his award winning film Astronauts. He recently completed a short film for Channel 4 called John and Karen before making Operator as part of the Animator in Residence scheme. Matthew now makes up one 6th of Arthur Cox Ltd and is also a director for Aardman.

First Prize in the DepicT! Competition at Encounters Short Film Festival 2007

e4 sting on e4!

Ginny and I are proud to say that our little e4 sting has been short listed and may be playing right now on your television. We'd love to have your vote so we can have the chance to make more!

Go forth and vote at:
e4

If you haven’t seen our sting feel free to view it on our website before voting!
www.garthandginny.com

thanks,
garth

Digital shorts

Felix Massie, a graduate from last year, has received funding from the UK Film Council and Aardman as part of South West Screen's Digital Shorts program.



The film will be his first since Keith Reynolds can't make it tonight (2007) which is due to be screened at the Animex festival early next month, along with two other graduate films from Newport - t.o.m. and Stiff Upper Lip.