Shaun the Sheep

After being so inspired by Will Becher, seeing the behind the scenes footage, watching the puppets come to life in the film was great. My initial thoughts of the film were that if would be aimed at children and too dumbed down but, I was wrong. The humour was made for everyone to enjoy, children or adults. And the narrative was brilliant, yet again sculpted for everyone to enjoy, riddled with humour throughout it was a very enjoyable watch.

If I hadn't of watched Will Bechers masterclass, I would not of watched it in the same way. Becher's talk added a great aura to the animation. Seeing the props, knowing how they were hand-made by a local craftsmen, seeing the water, knowing how they made it look realistic and added a whole new light and really exposed how wonderful animation is. 

Will Becher Masterclass - Manchester Animation Festival

From script to screen.

A masterclass from the best in the stop-motion industry

It was a magical experience to see behind the screen of Shaun the Sheep, seeing content no one ose outside has had the pleasure of seeing. We also got a chance to see the models up close and personal, which was great to see.

He took us on the whole journey of the animation process in brilliant detail. From the animatic to the creation of sets, characters and props.

What I found really brilliant was seeing the animators act out scenes from the animatic for reference, seeing them laughing and having fun whilst in the workplace was really great to see, when watching an animation you are caught up in the magic so much that you forget that real people work so hard to make it.

Manchester Animation Festival Reflection!!

I have loved MAF, I feel it has been such a beneficial experience for me. From the Masterclasses I have learnt so much more about the industry as a whole and the qualities needed within it. I have learnt so much about the practitioners themselves and have been fascinated with their stories and own individual approaches to their practise of animation. 

From watching all the shorts and graduation films I have been so inspired. There are now so many techniques I would love to try and aesthetics I would love to approach and play with, all the possibilities that there are within animation.

Not only has it been so educational, but It has also been a great trip to get to know my own animation crew better, which is always important.

And best of all, Tim Searle gave me a signed Mr Bean Teddy. 

It can't get much better!