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? How does one create puppet animation that is not only showy, but also effective? Animation filmmakers with specific questions related to mastering their craft can now turn to recognised masters as part of the ASK: Animation Support Kit, a new program for professionals developed by MOMAKIN.
The last day to apply is Wednesday, July 8.
The ASK project, implemented entirely online, is both an advisory scheme as well as an opportunity to acquire new skills. Its first edition consists of consultations with experts in terms of puppet design and animation, as well as a three-week specialist workshop for those who are interested in creating an animatic — a crucial element in the film production process. As a result of joint work, an animatic for a 10-minute film by Martin Bell – a British animator and experienced visualisation supervisor who has worked on the titles such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Hobbs & Shaw, Cinderella, Aladdin and No Time to Die – will be produced.
“Projects in the field of professional development in the animation industry constitute an important profile of our activity,” said Paulina Zacharek from MOMAKIN, which is the organiser of the ANIMARKT Stop Motion Forum. The idea to create a permanent skills improvement program arose from the Forum’s training section. “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 specializing in stop-motion films were invited to cooperate with the ASK. Among the experts are: Tim Allen, a British animator who has worked on blockbuster films like Corpse Bride and Fantastic Mr. Fox; Magda Bieszczak, currently employed in the American studio LAIKA and co-creator of Tim Burton and Wes Anderson hits; as well as Sylwia Nowak, Piotr Knabe and Marcin Zalewski – artists who have a lot of puppet 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,” said Allen. “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.”
During the one-hour ASK consultation, participants 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. Prospective participants must be fluent in the Adobe CC software suite (Photoshop, Premiere and After Effects). There are 10 slots waiting for those willing to study under the watchful eye of Martin Bell.
“We have managed to get great specialists engaged to cooperate with us. If the project is positively received, we will be preparing its further editions,” concluded Zacharek.
Applications will be accepted until July 8, 2020. Both the consultation and workshop will be taking place from July 20 to August 10. 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.
