Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Animated Drawings

This is a short animation that gives an idea of the type of video that could be produced by children. This features my own drawings (which I have kept since childhood!), animated in a similar style to "The Itch of the Golden Nit". Take a look at my older posts for a similar animation, "Brandon Vs Aliens", created with the help of my nephew.

The Tate Movie Project

The Tate Movie Project was an ambitious collaboration, involving thousands of children nationwide, who supplied story ideas and artwork to help Aardman Animations create the first animated film by children, for children; "The Itch of the Golden Nit". Inspired by this, I have decided to run my own project - watch this space!

Underwater Compositing

A quick visual effects test using my new video camera (Toshiba Camileo S20) and a home made green screen - a big sheet of T-Shirt material. Harvey tripped accidentally, but luckily I filmed this on his back lawn, so no children were harmed in the making of this video!

Cut-out Animation

Cut-out animation is another simple introduction to animating, combining arts and crafts with stop motion techniques. Characters also double as puppets that children can take home with them.

More Pixilation Examples

 

My nephew usually ends up being my guinea pig when trying out new ideas! He fully understands the process now, is very patient and good at staying perfectly still. Each of these animations took under five minutes to complete.

Pixilation

 

Pixilation is similar to stop motion animation, except that it primarily involves animating people, making it a quick, simple and fun introduction to animation.

The name has nothing to do with computer pixels but actually means "affected by the pixies". A pixie is a mischievous, magical creature, so when animating this way you're being pixie-led. It's unsurprising that the animations are often silly or seemingly impossible, such as this eye-popping example.

Make a Zoetrope

I can offer a wide range of activities, either just for fun or as part of the academic curriculum. Making a zoetrope can be cross-curricular, involving art with design & technology, as well as covering maths and science.

The LEADER!!!

On the left is Brandon's original drawing of "The Leader" from our short film "Brandon VS Aliens". I helped him to colour the character using Photoshop, as well as cutting it into separate layers ready to animate. I was really surprised at how quickly he got to grips with the software, especially considering he was only seven at the time.

Brandon VS Aliens

This is a short film I created with my nephew a couple of years ago. He came up with the story, did all of the drawings and voiced the characters.

Early Years Animation for C&T Theatre Company

Whenever possible I use my nieces and nephews in my work. Melissa is the little girl and also voiced the female cardboard character. The two boys on the see-saw are Harry and Louis. Brandon is the skateboarder and also voiced the male character.