The Astronomers Sun

One of my most exciting current projects is for the new 4mations Digital Shorts scheme. Over the years 4mations has been the bastion of independent animation in the UK, helping to foster a new generation of independent animators and award winning films, which have been the envy of the world. 4mations Digital Shorts is backed by the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund, Channel 4 and 13 Strategic Partners throughout the UK. The aim is quite simple… to fund new and original narrative films. I am honored to have been asked to act as producer for this years 4mations film in Yorkshire, supporting two brilliant young animators - Jessica Cope and Simon Cartwright. I'm co-producing "The Astronomers Sun" with Peter Kershaw at Duchy Parade Films. Right now we are finalising the storyboards and gearing up for a new story reel. Developing any narrative story is a real challenge, and for Jessica and Simon who are working with a script editor and producers for the first time, it's been no exception. As a non-dialogue film, I have been keen for the directors to explore their story though pictures as much as possible, and it has proved to be a very positive move. It is a fascinating experience for me in combining my experience and skills I've learnt from storyboarding and feature storyboard training at Aardman Animations, teaching, animating and producing. To follow the production of "The Astronomers Sun" check out the production blog written by directors Jess and Simon.

Creative Arts Week

Well the 10th Leeds Young People's Film Festival was awesome. I had an eager and attentive young audience for my Animation Fascination talk at Leeds exquisite Hyde Park Picture House. It was amazing seeing a film print of "The Tigger Movie" again on the big screen and it brought back a lot of memories. It was a pleasure to meet Adam Graham, Production & Programme Manager, and Martin Grund, Development coordinator. They are both a couple of cool cats who live and breath young filmaking and do a huge amount of great work in Leeds. They tell me it is was their successful festival year ever!

After that I got straight on the train for a week delivering an Easter animation workshop in Chipenham for the University of Bath. It was a pleasure for me to be joined by Aardman animator Dan Ramsay on what was his debut workshop. I first met Dan in the Aardman canteen last year, who originally trained as a teacher. He was legendary, as you can see the Aardman style seeping into the lip sync of this news anchor for a very imaginative "Wilshire news". Simply an unforgettable experience for all concerned. As Josh said on the University's blog, its such a shame that it's all over now. I wish it could have been longer, because 1) I would have liked to do everything in the storyboard, and 2) because it was such a great experience.

Animation masterclass & "The Tigger Movie", in Leeds next week!

Well I'm in Bristol at the moment, where I've just had the time of my life doing drawn special effects animation on a really cool production at Hot Head Films. As it's in development, I can't say anything more than that without risk of castration, but I consider it some of the best work I've done, for which a large thanks has to go to the brilliant team who made my time so satisfying and pushed me to do my best.

I'm heading back to Yorkshire brelfy next week in time for my Animation Fascination talk at the Leeds Young Peoples Film Festival and a special showing of "The Tigger Movie" on Sunday 4 April at the Hyde Park Picture House.

Filled with tips for budding animators and behind the scenes clips from the big screen and TV. Animation Fascination is on at 10am and The Tigger Moive at 11.15. To book tickets please call City Centre Box Office on 0113 224 3801

Cinema of Horror screenings

Cinema of Horror plays at the National Media Museum on Thursday 26th March, 20.00 as part of Braford International Film Festival 09. India City of Chennai in the 3rd International Short Film Festival of India on the 28th & 29th of March 2009.Glimmer Hull International Film Festival in the Yorkshire Film Award Competition on Sunday 26th April. I directed the opening animated title sequence for Duchy Parde Films short film, Written and directed by Peter M Kershaw.

davidbunting.info

Well it sure is busy at the mo! End of half term and in need of a holiday. Boy oh boy. However, I've finally got round to putting into action a new year resolution and got my portfolio website off the ground with work in special effects, storyboarding, sketchbook, showreel etc all in one place. http://www.davidbunting.info/
It's early days yet, but would love to hear what you think!

Anim8ed training at Ferens Art Gallery

One of the highlights of Anim8ed Stories for me has been devising and delivering animation training workshops for museum staff and primary and secondary teachers. The day culminates in a practical workshop where people put into practice the days experiences in a practical animation test, inspired by one of the museums collections. In January we ran the training event at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull. Teachers made animated pieces inspired by Conroy Madox painting - The Theorist. The groups had just 1 hour to make their films, with no prior animation experience. The resulits were so exciting I thought I'd share them!

My group combined responded to the mixed media and impressions of reality in the painting by using pixilation and cut out animation.

Digital artist, Simon Collins, group referred to Richard William's memorable phrase for all animators to remember - Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS)

Primary School Teacher, Jess Wolff's group used cut out animation combining objects and drawn elements.

A GROUP OF YOUNG FILM-MAKERS FROM BRADFORD ARE NOMINATED FOR AN ACTIVISION FIRST LIGHT MOVIES AWARD 2009

Well what better way to start of the year than with an award nomination! "JIMMY SAVES THE OLYMPICS" has been nominated for a prestigious ACTIVISION FIRST LIGHT MOVIES AWARD in the Best Animation category. My congratualtions to our group of seven 12-13 year-olds, from three different schools, who supported by The National Media Museum, received the nomination for their short 2D animation which they made entirely in their Easter holidays.

“Jimmy Saves the Olympics” was part of a cross continental young people’s animation project celebrating the Olympic Games, “Olympics, Let’s Fantasize”, organised by the ASIFA Workshop Group.

The group are up against two other nominated films from Stockton-on-Tees and Brighton for the ‘Best Animation’ award, chosen by an industry panel and youth jury. As part of the ‘Best Animation’ category and sponsored by Activision, they will be judged by Ben Miller (The Armstrong & Miller Show), Georgia Groome (Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging), Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty).

The winning film from each category will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony on 17th March, hosted by T4’s Miquita Oliver and Rick Edwards at the ODEON Leicester Square, London. The ceremony will be attended by a mix of film industry luminaries and celebrities who present the awards across eight categories; Best Drama, Best Horror, Best Thriller, Best Screenplay, Best Animation, Best Fantasy Adventure, Best Film by Under 12s and Best Film by Over 13s.

You can see the film and the other nominations on the First Light Movies website here!

Merry Christmas and an animated new year!

Animation art from "Jimmy Saves the Olympics" for AWG film "Olympics Lets Fantasize", animated by young people around the the world to celebrate the Olympic games. "Jimmy Saves the Olympics" was made at the National Media Museum with the support by the Lottery through the UK Film Council's First Light Movies initiative, who fund and inspire young people throughout the UK to make films reflecting the diversity of their lives.

Anim8ed Stories premiere celebration

I've had an incredible few months delivering the National Media Museums educational outreach programme, Anim8ed Stories in schools and museums in Bradford and York. 

I've been lucky to work with brilliant team, Julie O Regan at the National Media Museum, Phil Regan, animator Simon Collins, zoom animations Kath Shakleton and Zane Whittingham, voice artist Martine Dunn, Tony Simons and his learning team at the National Railway Museum, Luke Owen at Cartwright Hall, and a fabulous group of schools, teachers and most important of all, pupils, all of whom have made the last few months a tremendously rewarding experience. 

Last Friday we packed out the Picturville Cinema at the

 National Media Museum to premiere the resulting animated films and celebrate the overwhelming achievements that each and every pupil made. Phase 2 of Anim8ed Stories starts in January, working in Hull and Bradford.

Tribute to an animation friend

It is with much sadness that I learnt of the passing of the Patt Raine Webb, who died on 5 December, 2008, leaving her lifelong companion Margot Grimwood.

Although Pat was not a household name to film goers, for any member of the animation community she and Margot were an important presence for the international animation world. Pat was president of ASIFA-UK and for many years she and Margot kept the chapter alive almost single handily in the UK. They wrote, edited, and mailed Dope Sheet, the chapter’s newsletter. As a member of the ASIFA International Board, Pat worked tirelessly to support established animators and spread the gospel of animation around the world. Perhaps her greatest contribution was the support and encouragement that she gave to young animators. As a senior board member her opinions and observations have been of great value to her fellow board members.

I had the pleasure to meet Patt and Margot at the Bradford Animation Festival last month. She was absolutely indispensable in supporting our workshop for the ASIFA Workshop Group Film "Olympics, Let's Fantasize" which we screened during the festival. She was a true force of nature, actively involved in animation festivals around the world to the very end. My abiding memory of her will will be watching Patt and Margot dance into the small hours at the BAF closing night party and joining them for a dance. She embodied animation in it's fullest sense, with a zest for life, a vibrancy, enthusiasm and vigour for life that was contagious. She will be very greatly missed.

Her funeral took place today in London.

For a full tribute to Patt Raine Webb view the ASIFA tribute here.

Up Up and Away wins BAF award!

The short film, "Up Up and Away", made at Bricknell Primary school Hull, picked up the coveted Bradford Animation Festival Award for Best Film by Young Animators! The film was animated by Jessica Wolff's year 4 class and was created as a school project to teach foreign language skills in a fun and memorable context.

The BAF jury said, "We were impressed by the innovative concept of this schools project, which combines both teaching foreign languages and children's love of animation."

In the film, two children have an amazing hot air balloon adventure, visiting Ireland, France and Germany. Journeying past the Giants Causeway, the Eiffel Tower and other incredible sights, they try out their language skills, eat ice-cream, and sing songs.

In recognition of the importance of developing talent, the winner of the Best Film by Young Animators Award was announced at a special screening on Saturday 15 November. The shortlisted films were all of an incredible standard. It was an honour to be in the selection, and were both totally lost for words when we discovered Jess's kids had won!

I first met Jess through BBC Learn Xpress, when we made an animated version of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", as a tool for foreign language development. It is partly because the BBC were never able to clear rights to show the film and because the project showed such potential that we decided we should find a way to work together again. I had some of my happiest times working on "Up, Up and Away", and it is certainly down to Jessica's belief in the talents of her pupils, her own artistic ability and her commitment to perfection that made "Up up and Away" such a memorable and satisfying film both to watch and participate in. I realised that I never posted anything about the film when we were making it as I was so busy, so here's a few pictures. You can see everything about the film is ambitious. The sets are the largest I've ever worked with in a schools project, filling the whole library. We made a camera dolly using some duplo trains and fishing wire, to provide the pov shots from the balloon.

Jess is now helping me train school teachers in animation for the National Media Museums education programme Anim8ed Stories, which I am currently delivering at schools across Yorkshire. I will get the change to work at Bricknell School again next year when Anim8ed Stories visits Hull. Phil Regan, who project managed BBC Learn Xpress is now managing Anim8ed Stories with me, so the whole team is united again, which is fantastic!

Congratulations to Bricknell School, Jessica Wolff and her most amazing pupils!

Watch "Dreams" on Charge TV

Wow! The animated film "Dreams", created by year year 6 pupils at schools in Rochdale, Salford and Liverpool for Verd de Gris visionary arts project Dreams is being broadcast on satalite TV Charge, tommorow, Saturday and Sunday.

Charge is produced by The Media Trust / Community Channel - it's a youth strand that focuses on charity, societal, environmental and volunteering issues. Each week they focus on a different topic with studio guests and featured content - this episode is looking at child filmmakers. The Show is broadcast on Community Channel Sky 539 / Virgin TV 233 / Freeview 87 and online (http://www.chargetv.co.uk/). Media Trust is a registered charity.

Dreams is being broadcast on:

Wed 12th 08.00 (Sky 539 • Virgin TV 233 • Freeview 87)14.00, 20.00 and 02.00 (Virgin and Sky only)
Saturday 15th 08.00 (Sky 539 • Virgin TV 233 • Freeview 87)14.00, 20.00 and 02.00 (Virgin and Sky only)
Sunday 16th 06.00 (Sky 539 • Virgin TV 233 • Freeview 87)12.00, 18.00 and 00.00 (Virgin and Sky only)

Cinema of Horror

I completed animation for Duchy Parade Films upcoming short film "Cinema of Horror" this October. I first worked for Peter on his RTS award winning cinema short "Wilfred", way back in 1999. He was the first person to really give me a chance, and placed his trust (and money) on me delivering an animated poem for the film, during my graduation year at Senior College, Ballyfermot. It was wonderful to work with him again, to direct animation for the title sequence on his upcoming cinema short, "Cinema of Horror". A ten-minute drama about three film students who see the world through the fantasy of the films they like, inspired by current trends in Asian and Far East Cinema.

The sequence was based on a design by talented Digital Arts graduate Shuang Nui. I did the first pass on the storyboard before my feature film storyboard training at Aadman Animations, and storyboarding on "Shaun the Sheep", so it was good to go back with the benefit of all that experience and produce a revised storyboard pass and a story reel.

We had a shoestring budget, but the benefit of a wonderful young team eager to learn. Shuang Nui came onto the production, with an eye on clean-up animation, ensuring the style was faithful to the original design, Kevin Herbison, who also worked on "Wilfred", composited the sequence and also helped out on character inbetweens. Rebecca Stothert, of Goole Silent Movie fame, was on GCSE work experience at Duchy Parade Films and was able to see the drawn animation process and help out with scanning, and digital ink & paint. I saw the sequence cut into the film last week with the music and effects track, which is looking and sounding great. I'll post more news, artwork and animation on Cinema of Horror over the coming weeks.

Halloween spooks

I had a fun time taking workshops at the Animation Station in Banbury for half term, helping children make Halloween cartoons. We teamed up with The Campaign For Drawing. who held workshops in 1000 UK venues, from scout huts to national museums in the ninth Big Draw, 1 to 31 October 2008. This annual programme shows that drawing is the perfect medium for observation, self-expression and fun.

Stepney animated film screen in worlds top animation festival!

I have just heard that "Jack and the Beanstalk", made by year 2 pupils as part of the "Animated Solutions" educational program with Creative Partnerships Hull was shown at the 12th International animation festival, Hiroshima, Japan.

The Film was screened as part of the "Animation by Children of the World" program on August 10th and was one of only 12 films showing in its category. 1,656 films from 56 countries entered the festival, with 76 titles selected for the official competition program. A huge congratulations to all involved. Also screening in the same category was the world premiere of ASIFA's Workshop Group Film, "Olympics, Let's Fantasize". I worked with a group of young people at the National Media Museum on their Olympic film for the compilation. This project has been supported by the Lottery through the UK Film Council’s First Light Movies initiative. For those interested in seeing the film, it is being shown on Sat 15th Nov at the Bradford Animation Festival. President of ASIFA UK, Pat Raine Webb will be presenting the film with me.  

Also screening is "Up, Up and Away" made at Bricknel Primary School Hull, which is screening in competition for the Films by Young Animators Award. If that wasn't exciting enough, then I will be announcing the winner of the Best Children's Animated Film at the award ceremony! Can’t wait!

co-operative young film makers

I had an absolutely brilliant time at the co-operative young film makers festival on 9th and 10th Oct.

Without a doubt, the best thing for me was seeing so many young people I've worked with over the years turn up to see their films on the big screen, like the Goole Silent Movie group with their film "The Lost Princess" (above left). What a buzz!

It was great to see so many people at my Animation Fascination talk and at the UK premiere for ASIFAs Workshop Group film, "Olympics Let's Fantasize". To see what my groups in the afternoon created with just a pad of paper, a pencil and a little imagination, check out these flipbooks! Nice one!

Best Animated Film Award!

Well done all. The Biomation Aspergers Syndrome Syndrome film was the winner of the animation category at the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival awards announced on Sunday. The Aspergers Syndrome film was commended for its use of animation to explore the social, scientific and emotional aspects of Aspergers Syndrome.

The competition received entries from across the world including America, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and Israel. It was such an honour to see the film being shown on the big screen at the prestigious Filmhouse in Edinburgh alongside other award winning films.

You can view the film on the 4mations website here.

For more information on the film, visit the BioMation blog.

Festival season

Congratulations to all the young filmmakers I have worked with whose films are screening at the Co-Op Young Peoples Film Festival: Dreams (Verd de Gris Art & Design), Howard and the Bear (PennyPot youth group), How Wilberforce Stopped the Slave Trade (Creative Partnerships Hull & Stepney School yrs 3+4), Olympics, Let's Fantasize (ASIFA and the National Media Museum), The Lost Princess (Duchy Parade Films and Goole Town Council.)

We will also be screening the UK premiere of Olympics Let's Fantaisize" as part of the festival on Fri 10th at 12pm,  an animated film made by young people around the world to celebrate the Olympics, expressing their fantasies, ideas and messages surrounding the Olympic Games. Organized by the ASIFA Animation Workshop Group (AWG), the UK workshops took place at the National Media Museum, supported by the Lottery through the UK Film Council's First Light Movies initiative.  The world premiere was at the world famous Hiroshima Animation Festival, 7-11 August.

Also on Friday, I will be giving a fun talk, Animation Fascination, and a couple of 'quick draw animation workshops' at the festival on Friday 10th at the Natinonal Media Museum. The co-op young peoples film festival runs from 9th to 10th Oct and tickets for all the above avents are available from the Mational Media Museum.

Congragrulations also to the young people, and entire BioMation team. The Aspergers film,has been nominated for an international award as part of The Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival, the largest festival of its kind and is becoming a major cultural event in Scotland. The film will be screened as part of the festival between the 2nd and 17th October. The film is availbe for viewing on the new 4Mations website.

Back at Aardman!

Well, I'm so excited to be back at Aardman Animations! This is my second week storyboarding on the second series of "Shaun the Sheep". I'm here with Jay, Ashley and James, all from the feature storyboard course, and Aardman storyboard guru, Rob, who is kindly suffering us all and imparting his years of knowledge and skills when asked. As "Shaun the Sheep" has no dialogue, it is a particularly interesting storyboard challenge, as we try to find the best way to visually tell the story. And what a wonderful challenge. Of course, like all of Aardman's animations, the characters are all wonderful, and my main challenge early on has been to get into their shoes. One of the many brilliant things about Aardman is that we have models from the 1st series to hand for reference. Here's a couple of photos of myself and Ashley working hard :)

Goole Silent Movie sails to Switzerland

"Dr A D Holmes" and "The Lost Princess" screened in Switzerland at the Super8 Special 2008 on Saturday! Rain put pay to plans to screen the films outside, but neues kino was nearly full with a crowd of abot 60 people watching the program. Also quite a lot of filmmakers were there in person.