International Animation Day

Well, it's animation day on Saturday (hurrah!) and I'll be in Hull premiering animated films made by local people for SPARC (Social Participation in Actively Rebuilding Communities) produced by Terrapin Productions for a government regeneration project.

I've been spending the last two weekends in Hull running an animation club for members of the local community, which has been amazing, and a lot of fun. Two 13 year old girls told me doing my workshops is more fun than playing computer games!!! My life is complete! The whole world has been invited to Preston Road on Saturday afternoon, which is a little nerve wracking as we still have complete a lot of work.

Preston Road is part of the New Deal for Communities (NDC) which is a key programme in the Government's National Strategy foneighborhoodod Renewal. We are using animation for initial consultation and planning, producing a series of short animated films exploring Preston Road. I'll try and get a link up to some of the films soon.

Innovative Yorkshire Folk

Duchy Parade Films project "The Last Cointer" has made BBC news. Check it out!

Co-operative Young Film Makers

I'm thrilled to be giving a talk and animation workshop at the Co-operative Young Film-makers Festival in Bradford this Friday. During 'Animated Adventures', I'll be talking about some of the films I've worked on over the years, as well as my work using animation with young people in education and community arts. It will be followed by a flipbook workshop later in the afternoon.

In case anyone is interested in coming, the seminar starts at 12.30 in the Cubby Broccoli cinema. I'm told that booking is essential!

The Co-operative Young-filmmakers Festival has provided young people with the opportunity to air their films on the big screen since 1966.
It runs from 13 - 14 October and, in the words of the organizers, features 100 short films, over 20 fantastic film workshops and masterclasses and everything you want to know about the film industry with advice from our friendly film experts.