Blogs tagged "animation"
July 2019
CMC 2019: Report – Research 1 & 2
Research 1 and 2 focused on the content strategies being used by online video organisations and tech-giants to get into the children’s side of the growing online video sector. Takeaway: ● Netflix is looking for content for 7 to 9-year- olds, whilst Amazon is looking more for pre-school content. ● YouTube is the dominant content provider, with Netflix following behind. ● Only 10% of children go to live TV sources first, versus 41% of adults. Detail: The first of the research presentations, delivered by Fred Black of Ampere Analysis, examined what key SVODs have been commissioning and may be looking for in the near future. The focus of the research was on the contrasts between Netflix and Amazon, and where…
June 2019
CMC 2019: Preview – Animation Skills Fund: Use it or Lose it!
Animation Skills Fund – Use it or Lose it! Thursday 4th July 2019, 14:00 - 15:00 The skills shortage is the biggest issue facing animation studios in the UK. The combination of a booming streaming industry with its insatiable appetite for animated content, the welcome tax reliefs and the world-class reputation of the UK animation industry, means the amount of animation work the studios are taking on are outgrowing the talent-base (without even mentioning the ‘B’ word - and all the issues around mobility of labour!). This could drive studios to set up overseas instead, leading to our domestic industry slowly dissolving way. To mitigate this, the ScreenSkills Animation Skills Council are proud to announce that the Animation Skills Fund…
November 2018
Manimation 2018: Report – Welcome and Keynote
What is the future of the business of animation? Olivier Dumont from Entertainment One shared the secret ingredients of what made 'Peppa Pig' and 'PJ Masks' the massive international brands that they are today. The Secret of 'Peppa Pig': 'Peppa Pig' went from simple sketch to an international smash. The five minute shows are easily digestible with a strong sense of humour running through each episode. The humour stays with the audience long after they have grown out of other pre-school shows. Humour in preschool is rare, so it is the secret to Peppa Pig’s success. The stories deal with the family unit making it relevant to any kids anywhere in the world. When broadcasters aired the shows back-to-back it caused…
Manimation 2018: Report – Roundtable 3: Agencies for Change
Takeaway: Research data analytics and brand activation can help create the best solutions for clients Interesting and unusual visual styles and animation techniques can enhance advertising projects Clear communication helps production to be as efficient as possible Detail: In this session produced and hosted by Westley Wood from BBC Creative, a panel of experts explored case studies in working with creative agencies and the use of animation in advertising campaigns and marketing strategies. The panel consisted of Tom Box from Blue Zoo, Jo Whitely from IF Agency Manchester, Jamien Middleton from The Animation Guys, Damien Lynch from Dock 10 and Tim Jones from BBC Creative. Working on creative projects Jo Whiteley explained how IF Agency Manchester uses data analytics, brand…
Manimation 2018: Report – SODA
Takeaway: Manchester Metropolitan University is opening a new school of digital arts, named SODA The school will provide an interdisciplinary approach to media education that will serve the needs of the industry The school aims to close the skills gap and prepare the next generation for careers in a variety of specialisms including UX design, sound, animation, filmmaking and more Detail: In 2021, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) will be opening SODA - a new £35 million School of Digital Arts. Paul Bason from the university explained how the new building has been designed to respond to future changes in technology so that it can develop over time. He said that the school will progress and provide an interdisciplinary approach to…
Manimation 2018: Report – Opening Panel: The Future of Animation Business
Takeaway: Storytelling remains at the heart of projects Technology can be used as a tool to build narrative and speed up production Using multiple platforms can boost brands to reach new audiences Detail: Kate O’Connor from Animation UK introduced this session, asking how we can create and secure the future of animation business. The panellists included: Andy Wood from Cubic Motion, Benjamin Donoghue from Blackstaff Games, Olivier Dumont from Entertainment One and Jackie Edwards from BBC Children’s Acquisitions and Independent Animation. Working Together Collaboration is important in securing a strong future for the animation industry. In this session, Andy Wood highlighted the positive impact of harnessing technology to speed up pipelines and Benjamin Donoghue explained that creating interactive products…
July 2018
CMC 2018: Report – The Art of Storyboarding and The Art of Puppets
This session was jam-packed full, with two mini sessions combined as one! The Art of Storyboarding captured the task of creating storyboards in the process of filmmaking, meanwhile the Art of Puppets revealed how puppets can lead us down the road less travelled. The Art of Storyboarding takeway: Know the script back to front. Everyone follows behind the storyboard, it is the jumping off point for the rest of the film. Explore every aspect you can. There is always time for one more joke. Care about what you do. Find something that sparks your imagination in the script when you storyboard. Detail: Chris Drew a Series Director for Blue Zoo Animation Studio walked us through the process of storyboarding as well…
CMC 2018: Report – Tips and Hits from Animated Women
In spite of its longevity, the animation industry has only recently seen significant numbers of women entering the field behind the camera. This panel of female leaders in the industry spoke of challenges they have faced in their careers and the importance of bravery in the industry. Takeaway: While the number of women in the industry has grown (reaching 50% in certain fields), women still need to be supported - especially by other women. When in the process of recruiting it's about looking outside the box and not hiring where you are familiar. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there -“If you don’t ask, you don't get.” - (Georgina Hurcombe, LoveLove Films) Detail: The session was kicked off by…
CMC 2018: Report – The Art of Animation Design
Takeaway: Ideas can come from unexpected sources. Stay true to yourself and don't fake it. Take opportunities that come your way. Detail: The session was opened by Changemaker Javid Rezai, who discussed LGBTQ+ representation in Children’s TV. Javid talked about how the television shows he watched as a child shaped him in a number of ways, and that he continues to see the influence of this. Javid said that more LGBT representation is not only important to those kids, but rooted in the goals of tolerance, and will speak to every child. Leigh Hodgkinson Author and illustrator Leigh Hodgkinson discussed with Kath Shackleton her journey from working on the first series of the BBC’s Charlie and Lola to being the creator…
CMC 2018: Report – Sneak Preview: ‘Stardog and Turbocat’
Jan and Ben started Red Star in 2004 creating TV ads and theme park attraction videos but they also wanted to make animated films... Royalties from the attraction sector videos gave them the opportunity to monetise short-form projects and ten years later Red Star has grown from a team of 8 to 24 and now have the skills, team and the confidence to invest their own money in a feature. Takeaway: The film industry and investors want to see a script Red Star recruited using LinkedIn You cannot underestimate the power of star talent If you’re going to put money and effort into a feature, create and build a franchise with merchandising, a TV series and feature sequel opportunities in…
CMC 2018: Report – Commissioner Conversations – BBC
This session invited key speakers from the BBC to reveal their strategy for the future and how the CMC audience can engage with them through pitching, development and production of content across all platforms. Takeaway: • The ‘Fewer, Bigger, Better’ strategy will provide focus for priority brands, but not at the expense of new content across all genres and platforms. • There are opportunities to pitch for new content for 13-16 year olds which will sit on BBC iPlayer. • Across CBeebies and CBBC there are opportunities to pitch for drama, as well as games and short form content for apps. • Animation is still key across both channels and there is an open door policy for pitches. Detail: Tim…
November 2017
Manimation 2017: Report – Panel 6, Ten Things You Need To Know About VR
An expert panel discussed the future of VR, the platforms it lives on and the opportunities it offers to the UK animation industry. Takeaway: Ensure storytelling is at the heart of VR projects Unlock creative possibilities as the technology develops Using additional technology such as SubPac systems can make experiences even more immersive Detail: Professor Andy Miah introduced the VR session on behalf of The University of Salford. He described the surge in activity in this area over the last year and encouraged members of the audience to test out the technology using Samsung VR headsets that were passed around. The panel then discussed the latest developments in VR and looked to the future, debating what may lie ahead for…
Manimation 2017: Report – Panel 2, State of Play: Games Up North!
This session discussed how programmers, animators, artists and musicians are coming together to once again create world class games in the North Takeaway: 2016: Global spend was £100bn on games industry in UK. Manchester is the biggest city outside of London for game developers. The North has a strong heritage in making games and is a hub of world class creative talent. UK universities need to offer specific courses – there are very specific skill-set shortages. Marketing skills should be built into courses so graduates know how to make money. Analytics systems are vital in order to make money from game developing. Visibility and exposure of games as well as putting the right tools in the right hands will see…
Manimation 2017: Report – Cosgrove Hall Archives
The Cosgrove Hall archives are now on display, thanks to curator Westley Wood – and he's looking for support to continue the project. Takeaway: The Cosgrove Hall Archive is made up of 200 complete production pieces, figures and sketches from forgotten shows, and is currently on display at Sale Waterside Centre. In 2018, Cosgrove Hall Archive is set to become a charitable trust and is looking for deep-pocketed donors! Westley is now looking for designers, filmmakers and app developers to get involved. It’s part of our collective culture – so, support it! Detail: The Cosgrove Hall Films archive is one of the most significant contributions to the development of British animation and children’s television, and is currently housed at Sale…
Manimation 2017: Report – Keynote Opening Address: A Plan For European Animation
Tom Van Waveren shared the vision for European animation, with emphasis on the impact of Brexit and the importance of continued collaboration. Takeaway: Continued collaboration is key Communication is extremely important We need to retain and train talent more successfully Finance remains crucial and creative financial solutions can benefit everyone Detail: Tom Van Waveren has been working in animation for over 20 years, and said he “has loved every day”. He is currently CEO and Creative Director of CAKE Entertainment, based in London, and the company distributes, develops and produces series, with the aim of optimising commercial success with partners. CAKE Entertainment works with studios and companies all around the world. He has also been instrumental in the founding of…
July 2017
CMC 2017: Report – Beyond Survival: Growing your Business and Making Money
This session explored some of the industry’s success stories, as business leaders and investors discuss how they have taken their companies through the tricky growth stage to develop the strategies and raise the investment in today’s difficult marketplace Takeaway: It pays to plan for the future Look for the best compromise between financing and retaining rights Listen to professionals and be open minded Detail: Co-founder and CEO of Gigglebug Entertainment Anttu Harlin, who is based in Helsinki, produces games and animation that is focused on creating positive content for kids. However, Anttu also wants to capture the idea of asking some of the more difficult questions about money: money enables better content, something that both company and entrepreneur requires equally. Some…
CMC 2017: Report – The Route to China
From brand IP owners through to a production facilities, if you have ambitions to work with media in China then the China International Cartoon Animation Festival (CICAF) is the place to be. How do you maximise your chances of success? Are you sure you are ready? If you are going to have a once in a lifetime chance to showcase your brand, your creation, who you are and what you do, then be prepared and make it count. If you are not ready, don’t go until you are… Takeaways The Chinese market is on a scale you will not have imagined China is hungry both for new content AND to find worldwide partners for Chinese IPs The UK has a reputation…
CMC 2017: Report – Learning Through Animation
Kath Shackleton, Producer at Fettle Animation, headed this broad talk on the process of producing educational animation for children of all ages. Takeaways: Constant testing is needed for content to succeed. Make animation for kids, not their parents. Animation can greatly assist in further learning. Details: Zane Wittingham, Creative Director at Fettle animation, began with an explanation of what animation is and how it can inform, entertain and educate. Animation can take you out of your comfort zone and make the viewer challenge their preconceived ideas about a topic. It can be perceived as a condensed form of communication that can easily change from one thing into another with differing stylistic approaches. It has the ability to break boundaries, using…
CMC 2017: Report – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Prospective show creators got in the den (a really big stage in front of a really big audience!) to pitch their ideas to the dragons (your friendly neighbourhood producers). After a five-minute pitch, the panellists bid for the show-creator’s time in a three-month 'chat' period Takeaway: These broadcasters get a lot of pitches and they get them often. It’s really important to have a handle on what makes yours unique. Know the marketplace. At the end of the day the broadcasters are looking for strong characters and stories with the potential for comedy and pathos. The stories, what the show is really about, should shine through. Awesome animation is awesome, but at the end of the day it’s all about story. The Dragons: Eryk…
CMC 2017: Report – The Art of Writing for Animation and The Art of the Theme Tune: Knowing The Score
Two Art of… talks in one session saw an insightful interview with top children's writer Andrew Brenner, followed by notes on notes from composers Banks and Wag Takeaways: Writers and composers both need to absorb the whole show as inspiration, not just an outline brief Writers need to be aware of an animated world's limitations and restrictions, and let that shape your characters accordingly Composers shouldn't be afraid of putting their own style and interpretation on a brief Writing For Animation Kath Shackleton, Director of Fettle Animation, hosted a fascinating half-hour talk with writer Andrew Brenner, with the conversation covering the craft of working on animation scripts, the relationship between writers and producers, and how he first got into animation…
CMC 2017: Report – IP 360
This session used real-world case studies to explore why some IP succeeds and some does not in today's 360 landscape. By Guest Blogger Craig Hill Takeaway: There is no one 'magic bullet'; success in 360 comes from attention to detail across a wide range of disciplines including planning, finance, asset management, audience research, platform understanding, development timelines A deep understanding of the child's view of the brand, the storyline and characters is essential to be able to bring them to life in different ways on each platform, playing to the strengths of each It is important to have a deep understanding of children's play patterns and styles of interaction, and use each platform in the right way to match them…
November 2016
Manimation 2016: Report – Panel 5: Training and Development – New Initiatives, New Entrants
Speakers: Belinda Peach Peachy Abigail Fairhurst, Brown Bag Films Steve Swanborough, Freelance animator, motion designer and editor Praveen Zacharias, Brown Bag Films, Rose Marley, Sharp Futures Helen Brunsdon, Creative Skillset Adrian Healey, The Manchester Growth Company Takeaway: Getting ahead in the industry is about hard work, dedication and work experience, whether that’s in relevant positions or simply by improving your social skills working in Costa Coffee. Detail: The panel looked at: The changes to the apprenticeship schemes coming in April 2017 and what will be expected of businesses. Why universities and industry need to work together more. How the transition from education to work can be improved The beauty of growing and nurturing apprentices and watching individuals grow and flourish as…
Manimation 2016: Report – Presentation 4: Hiive – Connecting creative with briefs, courses, jobs & more
Speaker: Daniel Kemp, Executive Producer, Hiive Takeaway: Hiive is a new platform for finding and promoting creative talent Detail: Daniel Kemp gave delegates a brief overview of the opportunities Hiive offers for the animation sector. Hiive is a non-profit professional network for creative industries, and is part of Creative Skillset. There are currently 75,000 individuals using the platform, from across the various creative industries, and over 300 companies. The digital platform aims to help promote emerging talent and help freelance creatives pitch for work. Via the platform, Hiive can help companies commission creative projects through facilitating a pitching process, and can also engage its community en masse by running competitions, helping with crowdfunding for projects, and providing insight through research…
Manimation 2016: Report – Panel 4: Money for Nothing? Fund and Flow
Speakers: Steve Sharman, founder, Blackthorn Innovation (moderator) Erica Darby, Producer, Spider Eye Chris Halliday, Senior Certification Analyst, BFI Tim Patterson, CEO, Larkshead Media Takeaway: Brexit implications for funding are still uncertain, but confidence in your product remains key to securing finance. Detail The main focus of the discussion was the impact Brexit will have on funding for creative industries. Chris Halliday talked about the tax relief scheme for animation companies. His message to delegates was that the BFI are the first port of call for tax breaks for animation. He said tax relief has helped animators in terms of getting a foot in door with broadcasters, and also getting loans against tax relief to get that initial start-up. Knowing that…
Manimation 2016: Report – Presentation 2: Realtime VR Storytelling – Heading for the Holodeck
Speaker: Nick Pittom, Fire Panda Takeaway: VR presents challenges to storytelling – but also a virtual world of opportunities to try something different and create your own rules. Detail: Nick gave a whirlwind beginner’s guide to some of the technology used in virtual reality creation, and introduced some of the pros and cons of both Realtime VR and 360 VR platforms. He said there are still limitations to both, including time, man hours, cost, technology restrictions and even motion sickness, but the technology keeps advancing, which is exciting. Nick highlighted things to consider in terms of how storytelling differs in VR. On traditional platforms, the story takes place in a box or on a screen, but in VR the user…
Manimation 2016: Report – Presentation 1: The Red Carpet Treatment
Speaker: Kath Shackleton, Fettle Animation Takeaway: It’s hard work running a small animation business – but with support from the industry and determined self-promotion success and good things are definitely possible. Detail: Kath Shackleton introduced the audience to her Yorkshire-based studio, Fettle Animation, which she runs with her animator partner Zane Whittingham. The studio specialises in 2D animation, and has won numerous awards for some of its films. Kath showcased a clip of some of Fettle’s projects, and then talked about the challenges that small studios face. These include, inevitably, the tightening of budgets in recent years from client companies. She urged the industry to make sure it supports small companies as much as they can, saying that there are…
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