INTRODUCTION
From the 13th to the 16th of March I attended a Creative Future`s residential trip to London with my university. There were numerous studios and companies which I had the opportunity to visit during the four day stay in the city. We were all divided into separate groups as we were all visiting the companies which were related to our course. I visited a total of 4 animation companies with my group. In order to make best use of the time before the trip I bought myself a map and guide book of London to organise to get to these companies and to go to other places of my own personal interest during my free time.
DATE: 14/3/12
NAME OF COMPANY: 12 Foot 6
DETAILS OF COMPANY: They produce 2D Animation films and adverts
KEY POINTS FROM VISIT:
· The company was founded in 1999.
· The company produce a mixture of commercials that use a combination of different animation Medias e.g. traditional 2D, 3D and Stop-Motion.
· Over the last few years the company have moved to concentrate on ICT animations.
· Dave the founder of the company has a varied background, he is not an animator.
· The company has recently produced a Marmite advert, which was very successful.
· Lead animators within the company change in order to create differences in the end product.
· The company has done lots of animated cartoons, with a mixture of commercial work and creative work e.g. Dog Judo
EXPERIENCE GAINNED FROM VISIT:
The script and character details should be accurate before starting to film the actual animation
POST VISIT RESEARCH:
“12Foot6” is a medium sized animation studio based in central London. Established in 1999 they produce mainly 2D and stop motion animation for TV and web.
They say that their strengths and specialisms are great art which they make move beautifully to a strong narrative.
They have written and animated TV shows e.g.“The Sensibles” for Jextix (BAFTA nominated), “Dog Almighty” and “Dog Face” for Channel 4 and animated Modern Toss for Channel 4. They also make commercial campaigns for the likes of Swift cover, Marmite, Virgin Media, Virgin Atlantic, Cobra beer, Ann Summers and many more in the UK as well as Radio shack and Ford in USA. They also make “Dog Judo” and the “Get Well Soon” short films.
NAME OF COMPANY: Asylum Models and Effects
DETAILS OF COMPANY: They create 3D models and produce special film effects
KEY POINTS FROM VISIT:
· They make 3D models and artefacts for the film and TV industry
· They use CAD (Computer Assisted Design)
EXPERIENCE GAINNED FROM VISIT:
This was a very large specialised company that employ a large number of very skilled people to produce products for the television and film industry
BENEFITS FROM VISIT:
The visit was very interesting and informative and gave a good insight into how the very special requirements of TV and film are catered for
POST VISIT RESEARCH:
The company was founded in 1983 and originally housed in the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum building in Trinity Road Wandsworth, hence the name. A recent move for the third time in the company's history allows easy walking distance from Earlsfield train station and Wimbledon Park tube.
They are operating with a full time crew of 24, who are regularly supported by a pool of trusted freelance specialists when required. Asylum's ethos is to supply work of the highest quality and a back up service that sets a benchmark standard that others can only aspire to.
DATE: 15/3/12
NAME OF COMPANY: Picasso Pictures
DETAILS OF COMPANY: The Company specialise in commercial adverts that require animation
KEY POINTS FROM VISIT:
· The company has been running for almost 20 year
· They specialise in producing commercials, using a variety of animation methods and techniques
· The demands of the commercial would have become more spread out?
· There are skills of the people working in the company are broad varied and continually developing
· There are certain contracts that are not very interesting, but they open doors for other future creative work
EXPERIENCE GAINNED FROM VISIT:
· You cannot plan your career, you half to be flexible and adaptable.
· It is important to keep up to date with software and developments in technology.
BENEFITS FROM VISIT:
POST VISIT RESEARCH:
Picasso Pictures is one of the UK’s leading independent animation production companies. They represent a diverse range of directing and design talent and enjoy a reputation for producing original and highly creative work.
They pride themselves on exploring and exploiting new technologies and methodology alongside the more conventional animation techniques. Their range of expertise covers all aspects of production, including 3D and 2D animation, live action, graphics and typography.
DATE: 15/3/12
NAME OF COMPANY: Cartoon Network Europe
DETAILS OF COMPANY: They use 2D and 3D techniques
KEY POINTS FROM VISIT:
· They have 40 people working in the studio at any time
· They use traditional hand drawn animation
· The company uses a mixture of real life backgrounds and animation
· Companies are looking for multi talented staff
EXPERIENCE GAINNED FROM VISIT:
Film reels that are sent with CV’ to companies’ should show your best work first
POST VISIT RESEARCH:
Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe is a British animation studio based in London. It was founded in early 2007. It is owned by Turner Broadcasting System Europe. It is the European equivalent to Cartoon Network Studios, based in Burbank, California.
They`ve produced two Cartoons, entitled “Hero: 108” and “The Amazing World of Gumball”.
CONCLUSION FROM ALL VISITS:
I have really enjoyed the London trip. By visiting all these different animation companies and by studying all the different animation methods, such as the backgrounds or character portraying, I have gained a lot of inspirational ideas for creative animation projects.
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