The ASK project, implemented entirely online, is both an advisory scheme, as well as the opportunity to acquire new skills. Its first edition consists of consultations with experts in terms of puppet’s design and animation, as well as of a 3-week specialist workshop for those who are interested in creating an animatic, which represents an inseparable 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, an experienced visualisation supervisor who has worked on the titles such as “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”, “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”, “Cinderella”, “Aladdin”, or the latest part of the adventures of the famous agent 007 “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 – says Paulina Zacharek from MOMAKIN, which is the organiser of the ANIMARKT Stop Motion Forum, the one and only event in the world addressed to representatives of the film industry focused on stop motion animation. If one asks how the idea to prepare a permanent offer arose, it was from the experience of the training section implemented during the forum – 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 – adds Zacharek.
Experienced animation creators and artists specialising in stop motion films were invited to cooperate with the ASK. Among the experts are: Tim Allen, a British animator, a member of the crews making such animated blockbuster films as “Corpse Bride” or “Fantastic Mr. Fox”; Magda Bieszczak, currently employed in the American studio Laika, co-creator of the successes of Tim Burton or Wes Anderson, 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 – says Tim Allen, one of the program's experts and adds: – 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 one 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. If someone wishes to take part in it, they must be able fluent in the use of the Adobe CC software environment (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. – emphasises Paulina Zacharek.
The media patron of the ASK: Animation Support Kit is Skwigly Animation Magazine. Recruitment has just begun – applications will have been accepted until 8/7/2020. Both the consultation and workshop will be taking place from 20/07 to 10/08. 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.
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MOMAKIN is a Polish company, which combines the world of animation filmmaking with international production, distribution and promotion. It supports animation projects at every stage of their development: from planning and financing through production to distribution. It runs a talent agency, and initiates and produces film projects in Poland and abroad based on a network of contacts that ensure effective distribution and promotion. It has an extensive distribution catalog for the cinema, TV and VOD. It is involved in education and professionalization of the film industry.
MOMAKIN is the organizer of the ANIMARKT Stop Motion Forum is the only event in Europe that caters to the representatives of the film industry focused on puppet animation. Pitching, expert consultations and networking are designed to consolidate the industry as well as facilitate the establishment of international contacts and cooperation.
