Being Animated in Wolverhampton ...

I had a great time over at the University of Wolverhampton yesterday at 'OUT OF DARKNESS - THE WORLD OF STOP MOTION ANIMATION', part of the city's ARTSFEST. Artsfest runs at a host of venues across the region celebrating the creative and cultural spirit of the Black Country. Events include dance, theatre and musical performances, art exhibitions, workshops and educational sessions for schools and college groups. The festival continues until June 13th ...

The day started with some of the very earliest examples of stop motion animation presented by STEVE ARNOTT, the University's Course Leader in Animation. Second up was EMMA CAULDER from PEARLY OYSTER PRODUCTIONS who showed several of her beautiful animated films and provided a fascinating insight on her particular career path. We then had an entertaining Skype conversation with TAM JOSEPH who worked on THE BEATLES animated film 'YELLOW SUBMARINE' back in the late 1960's.

A break for a spot of lunch was followed by ... yes you've guessed it a special screening of 'SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE' in support of AARDMAN'S fund raising efforts for their 'GRAND APPEAL' which helps with particular support for children’s care and hospitals. Our final guest was the Senior Story Artist on the 'SHAUN MOVIE', RICHARD PHELAN. After the film had finished I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the Q & A session to round off the day with Richard, Emma, Steve and ARTSFEST organiser PAUL WILLIAMS. During the course of the conversation we discovered that Richard had actually drawn quite a few of the characters I'd voiced in the film! There were some very insightful questions by the largely young audience, quite a few of whom expressed serious ambitions to be the animators of the future. It was a terrific event put on by the University of Wolverhampton, plans are already afoot for an even bigger Artsfest next year.