First Light Awards

A film I made last year, with young people from the Bangladeshi community in Northampton, has been nominated for a First Light Award!

The Award ceremony showcases the creative talents of young people across the UK and is an inspirational event that celebrates the next generation of British filmmakers.

Awards will be announced and handed out in the BFI on the 5th March, judges this year include Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Rebecca O’Brien, David Heyman and many many more.

The short animation Pirates of the Indian Ocean feature illustrations and voice overs by the young people.

Clumsy but lovable DJ duo Mankind and Small-Steps have built a devoted following to their pirate radio show. Raging against the machine in their own inimitable style, will they reach the top of radio programming or be caught on the wrong side of the law before they reach their dream?

~~~ NEW PROJECTS ~~~

I am currently working on three short animations made with young people through the First Light workshop project. There is an Olympic theme running, which is very on trend at the moment.

In March I'm joining up with the Tricycle Theatre continuing work on a project entitled Transitions working with children with special needs.

I'm looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces of the children I worked with last year :)

Happy New Year!

December was totally manic and now it's January and I think I'm in shock at not being in arms reach of chocolate coins and piles of mince pies.

One of the December highlights was my return to Poitiers Recontres Henri Langlois film festival in France. I had a fantastic experience (once again) and met the fabulous team of people that run the festival as well as a troupe of new directors.

I was asked to introduce a programme of films from the National Film and Television School with the director of the school Nik Powell, as the festival was celebrating the NFTS's 40th birthday. Afterwards the festival hosted an impromptu birthday tea party and provided a cake with sparklers!

After the festival I returned to the NFTS to run a workshop with production designer Marco Restivo. The first year animators and production designers worked together to produce film treatments, including character sketches and environment concept designs. There was some great work produced and I am confident this years graduates will make some pretty incredible films.

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Earlier in November I created an intro animation for the website Police People. The site is run by an actual Policeman who writes stories about the adventures of a team of Police Officers including a dog and Police car called Siren.

It is a really inspiring site and resource for parents and teachers to educate young people on what the Police get up to. Hopefully the site will continue to gain support and become the next Bob the Builder.

A New Post!

Yes, it's a new blog post folks. Firstly I am very happy to report that I will be visiting France again in Decemeber for Poitiers Rencontres Henri Langlois International Film Festival where they will be screening Goodbye Mr Pink as part of the NFTS 40th Birthday celebrations.

These guys know how to throw a fantastic festival.

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The bespoke ping pong cover makers at Batburger asked me to create an animation to show off their new designs.

This clip features the Gengweff design, who is based on a recently deceased cat called Genghis.

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The new Strawberry Issue from Cakes and Canapés is out! I created a mini cookery film with Miriam Nice, who makes a mean strawberry brunch. Check out the film via the Cakes and Canapés YouTube channel.

The next issue focuses on Japanese food. Illustrators, writers and general food enthusiasts are invited to contribute.

Get in touch with Miriam if you fancy getting involved.

Goodbye Mr Pink Review

A review of Goodbye Mr Pink, by Chris King of Boolean Flix Independent Film Blog.

"This film is about a little girl and how she deals with the death of her pet rabbit, Mr Pink. The little girl, Rose (played by Dora Gee), finds her Mr Pink “asleep” and it is only with the help of her brother Alex (played by Ryan Gunning) she begins to realise the worst. What follows is a journey into the imagination of this little girl, with her brother attempting to give her all of the answers about life and death.

The script is well written and the plot is simple, yet very interesting to follow. As it progresses, along with Rose’s thought process, it explores and unravels the theme wonderfully. When Alex proclaims that Mr Pink is, in fact, dead the children start to piece together the little they know about death and try to make sense of it all. Although the content matter is about fairly dark subject, overall it portrays quite a touching story of acceptance and the end of the film sees Rose be able to say a proper goodbye to Mr Pink, before – lead by Alex – they are able to give him quite the send off.

Along side the beautiful way in which this piece was filmed, the best part of this film for me was the fantastic, sinbad-the-sailor-esque animation. Mr Pink features prominently, as do several objects from the immediate setting – an old barn, all of which create a great 11 minute experience for the viewer.

Overall this film was, for me, a great exploration into the innocent view on life and death, portrayed by two young children. With some shocking, difficult to watch moments early on, the film has this interesting sense of contradiction when nearing the end, with some really touching moments. At the end of it all, however, there is a sense that the children still have a lot of things to learn and opinions to develop. A brilliant way to end a short film exploring so much."

See the full article at http://www.booleanflix.com

Wiltons & Lounge Lizard

My lovely friend the artist Georgie Manly has been busy making Ping Pong bat covers. Last week I went down to Wilton's Music Hall (which is an amazing venue btw) and helped her man her stall. 

The competition was fierce and the winner walked away with a bespoke trophy case (which is the one I'm holding.)

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After watching the film Bad Lieutenant I was inspired to make an Iguana out of upholstery fabric. He's a lounge lizard with diamanté eyes.

Batburger

  ~~ Magpie Man ~~

~~ Defrosting ~~

~~ Lost In The Queue ~~

When people tell my funny, strange or bizarre stories I have an impulse to sketch them. Here are the first in the series, more to come.

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This evening I will be selling Ping Pong bat cases with the artist Georgie Manly at Wilton's Music Hall in London. 

If you know anyone who is a major Ping Pong enthusiast with an eye for unique and somewhat eccentric accessories might I suggest you visit Batbuger, a place for all your Ping Pong case needs.

Rabbit on the Road

Goodbye Mr Pink has been selected for the Moviemiento, an on-the-road festival which screens short films in public spaces in Germany and around Europe.

If you happen to be in France in September look out for a brightly coloured bus, there might be a dead rabbit inside.

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-Click here to see the film ~

My stickman animation is now up and running on the CCH website.

Check it out, you may also learn something about the world of accountancy.