The Mysterious Traveller

So I've just been working on a Coca Cola advert that I probably shouldn't talk about. I know somebody involved with Star Wars Episode VII of which they really shouldn't talk about. I'm picking my nose but... you know I wouldn't hesitate in keeping that from you. So sit back and relax; this blog post is completely under control.  The animation club have finished their first draft of the upcoming Untitled Princethorpe College Animated Movie. The story itself is magnificent, albeit a little insane, as far as a narrative is concerned and I was rather impressed. I did, however, have to ask permission from certain teachers due to their controversial interpretation by the students. For any teachers who may read this, I apologise in advance. The only teaser I can give you, however, is this... robot creates monster chases teachers attacked by mutated rabbits with a dinosaur and an epic car chase. You can tell my class lacks the feminine touch.  A selection of ...

I was allowed an early birthday present! So - becoming an official member of the co-curricular programme at Princethorpe College was September; having the after-school animation club grow by three members (bringing the grand total to five) was October. I am so proud. But I wrote that sentence last week... and upon reviewing this paragraph I know have SIX members of my animation club! *sheds a tear* I have to apologise to all who are involved in this post because it was due for release before I departed on my Croatian holiday with Lucy. Therefore a few sections might not make as much sense (probably more on my account) than others. The kickstarter project, for example, has it's final 24 hours as of today...so watch read on and find out about what I'm going on about... Yamination Studios has launched a kickstarter project to help fund the final stages of the 'At-issue' short film. I think the best way to describe how this works is not via the medium of readin...

Many thanks to Barry Purves who prompted me to send my CV and contact Factory Transmedia, a studio on the outskirts of Manchester, where the animated series of both Strange Hill High and Toby's Travelling Circus are created (Barry is the director of the latter). I was soon called by the Strange Hill team and was asked whether I fancied a week in the art department. At the time I was trying to pack up a tent whilst flailing in the rain like a confused eel, so I can only hope that I didn't sound too disgruntled when I answered the unknown number.  ' Yes, of course I can come up '... I replied in a bizarre squeaky voice. I was overwhelmed by the opportunity, but determined to end the conversation with a relatively convincing tone of masculinity. So after sounding like Brad Garrett it was confirmed that I would head up to Manchester.  'Strange Hill High  is a children's series for the CBBC   created using animation technique combining puppets, Japa...

Phew! I always knew that August and September would be incredibly busy months for me, but this is outrageous! I have been actually turning down projects to pursue studio experience and the like. But regardless of the bigger picture, I still think projects like a music video can be far-fetched (with the exception of 55 BPM When the Transient Happens ) simply because of my limited home studio. Nonetheless, I am forever grateful, and flattered, that people have asked if I wanted to front an animated campaign. In fact, my good friend David Ward asked if I could animate a short 'fitness' clip to help promote the social media side of a leisure centre. I think I might get Barney involved with that one, he's been doing sod all for months... Finding a free day to actually animate is the problem at the moment as I usually have to catch up with paper work, finish sculpting, illustrating and also rearranging my Star Wars figurines (I'm totally joking)...(but not really)....

8 years ago… The snow-capped plains of the northern hemisphere glistened before him as he stood magnificently, guarding his flock and watching the pale yellow sunrise. Tommy closed his eyes and breathed in the cold fresh air, soothing his throat like a menthol lozinger, and yet this man was as fit as a fiddle. The herd of elk plodded slowly about him seeking what little grass this terrain had to offer. Tommy leant heavily upon his crook, admiring the scene. Unfortunately the icy permafrost disagreed with the extra weight and sent the crook flying out of the Elkboy’s grasp. Curses! cried Tommy, flailing like a goon as he landed in the crisp layer of snow. Suddenly the sunlight was shrouded by a gathering mist, which soon became plumes of dark cloud massing upon the horizon. As the menacing cloud swirled closer it reminded Tommy of only one film where (in the following moments) a huge space craft would pierce the darkness and centre its laser cannon over the nearest landmark. But ...

So after three nights of animating (due to no efficient method of blocking out natural light I chose to animate after nightfall for consistency; much like the Dark Knight of animation) and one outrageous nudge of the camera, taking me over twenty minutes to correct, I have finished the E4 esting animation clip. For something that is only ten seconds long it sure was a taxing process, but I am blaming the overly warm conditions of my room (being in the attic) as it seems to accommodate its own micro climate.  For those of you who are unsure what an 'esting' is then follow the link HERE  to see a series of short animated clips that make up that odd vacuum between advert and programme.  I must admit that I was not overly happy with the green screen element. The chromo key wasn't as crisp as I had hoped but that would be down to the lighting of the green screen background (which I don't think was consistent). I really need to get myself some dedolights and realise ...

With the At-Issue project (almost) coming to a close, it has been all Thunderbirds are go  in the art department. The sets are coming on amazingly, and some of the props are so bloody realistic that the only possibly explanation to the awesome detail is a shrink ray. The SkyArts documentary was aired a few weeks ago and all of us minions managed to get some face time (or in my case, bobble hat time). It was put together very well and really captured the essence of the studio in under 10 minutes. It was also very handy to finally put some visuals to the hard work we've all been doing, especially to those folk who have no idea what stop motion is. Speaking of which, Sarah and myself were asked to animate on the film itself, which was such a great feeling because Drew trusts us to have a go with Bart (the puppet). My first shot was a flow of coffee being poured over a bowl of corn flakes. This was only 24 frames but it took me so long to literally get into the 'flow' of anima...

Ladies and Gentlemen, as promised, here is my latest animated project for Birmingham duo  55 BPM  and their track  When the Transient Happens.  Pablo was the puppet I constructed and animated with the use of a green screen. This technique allows me to composite the live action footage and the stop motion sequences together. Anyway, I shan't waffle on. Enjoy! Right then, back to the formalities. I wanted to begin by thanking a couple people for their hand in the music video I animated for local Birmingham duo 55 BPM. Uncredited but unforgotten, thank you to Drew Roper who forwarded the project to me after speaking with Charlotte Rose and Lydia Pickering (of 55 BPM ). And thank you to Laura Morgan who helped with the camera work and making sure Pablo stayed on his feet.  I have decided to revamp my CV once again. I feel that with the terrific experience Drew has given me at Yamination Studios I could hopefully take the next step into the stop motion i...

Perhaps it was the creation of such a grand feat of design built in the side of an impassable cliff face. Perhaps it was the fine threading and comfortable lining that the skin tight uniform had to offer. Perhaps it was none of these things and was actually down to the ridiculous set of antlers sticking out of the side of his head; whatever the reason, the Elkboy felt impelled to drink his brew at the entrance of his magnificent lair, where he was gifted with a heroic but meaningful stance that struck fear into his enemies and admiration from himself.  There was a strong wind. The Elkboy grinned with a smug approval at this and recalled the vindaloo dinner the previous night. As the two red suns gently set below the Jenga mountains the ambience was suddenly interrupted by a clumsy hullabaloo from inside. The Elkboy swivelled around, spilling tea over his new outfit (muttering in dismay) but with a stealthy posture that demanded an explanation.  Unfortunately for the Elkboy, as...