Setting up an Animation Studio Outside the Capital

Animation Forum WM have organised a talk with animator Neil Bushnell (that's him on the right) about setting up an animation studio. We'll probably be popping along on Tuesday 1 March (it's at The Studio in Birmingham), so we thought we'd let you know about it. 

Animators from around the region will be getting together in Birmingham this Tuesday for a free masterclass in establishing an animation studio by Niel Bushnell, founder of successful animation and visual FX outfit Qurios.

Niel Bushnell worked as an animator on feature films such as Space Jam and Lost in Space before establishing the award-winning, Newcastle-based, animation and VFX studio Qurios in 2002. 

Sounds good, no? To attend the event, you can RSVP via doing-it-the-hard-way.eventbrite.com. Directions to the venue can be found here.

What YouTube Looked Like in the 1800s

A bit of fun.

Tom's Bedroom

We've finally found out what Tom gets up to on his own...

The Pitcher of Dorian Gray

Bromance spin-off film in the bag, right there.

Alan the Brilliant Professional Human Statue Entertainer

...Or so say his proud talent agency, Xanadu. Anyone need a human statue for any kids parties?


If that doesn't warm the cockles, check out his other creation, Charlie The 10ft Inflatable Clown, perfect for all of those cheeky unassuming molestations. I would like to say I'm being a bit harsh. but just stare into those badly painted, naked eyes and tell me your very soul isn't terrified.

See Alan and the other bountiful talents of Xanadu by clicking the phrase, Saw IV.

Nicolas So Cozy

Nicolas Sarkozy has never looked so cozy...

Clarke's Diary - Part Two

In the spirit of transparency and legal obligation, we've decided to give you a peek into our inner workings. So, here's our teaboy, Clarke Denmark, who's on a placement with us (I think) to give you 'PART DEUX' of his Dice insight. 

Filming

Hi hello, I'm Clarke again.

On filming days I normally arrive on set at around 4:00-4:30 in the morning. I rush about setting up lighting and audio equipment, preparing the costumes, and re-tiling the bathroom. Just any jobs that need doing before we get going. 

The guys My employers usually turn up at around one in the afternoon still drunk fresh from the night before. After some violent jostling and witty banter they calm down a bit and I make them breakfast; a Bloody Mary for Tom, a pro-plus smoothie for Ian, and for Louis, his speciality egg sandwich, a sandwich which uses fried eggs instead of bread. 

One of my bosses will then 'get into the role'. Tom uses me to act out his character with, but he tends to get carried away. Sometimes I wonder why they write such violent and sexual characters. 

With the filming begun, the mood turns professional and it's down to work. That's not to say the work is lacking in fun. Only this morning Ian used the director's clapping board on my face (OUCH!). My doctors say that the cartilage in my nose is broken stronger than ever!

When the film is in the can (not literally!!) we all look through the footage for shoddy camera work or poor acting stylised shots and nuanced performances. After a hard day's work we celebrate with a well-deserved pint. Of course I can't legally drink, so I pack up the equipment and clean the place up. 

My day ends after I've dropped the guys off safely and I've refilled the van with tractor fuel. They say if I keep this work up they'll let me off probation in two months time, happy days!1!!

Great stuff. An invaluable resource to all the aspiring 'technical media assistants' out there. If you missed 'PART ONE', you can click this link here and read it.

Otherwise, you can subscribe to this blog for more fascinating tales from Clarke.