The Lowdown

New On Talking Pictures

We are pleased to present Emma Dixon's new weekly column 'The Lowdown' on Talking Pictures. It covers film, TV, music, literature and anything else happening in the world of arts and entertainment. View it at:

http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ColumnLowdown1.html


First Animators in Residence Announced for Bradford

The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television have announced the four animators chosen for this year's Animator in Residence scheme.

The winners were announced at the launch event on Thursday 13 November with the guests also having a sneak preview of the new animation gallery where they will be based, sharing the space with Wallace and Gromit, the Wombles and many other icons of British animation.

AIR is Channel 4's Animator in Residence Scheme run in conjunction with the National Museum for Photography Film & Television in Bradford. AIR supports the creative development work of talented animation graduates with a particular focus on the craft of the discipline. 4 animators are chosen to work in an animation booth, situated in the new animation gallery. Here they
develop their own original idea for a short animated film into a proposal for Channel 4 for commission.

This year's winners are:

Reena Kalsi
1 November - 31 January

Benji Davies
1 February - 30 April

Laura Heit
1 May - 31 July

Alys Hawkins
1 August - 31 October

Ben Turner, Creative director at Cosgrove Hall Films, one of this year's judges, said 'This year saw a fascinating diversity of original ideas, styles and techniques from all over Britain. The artists and animators selected will put on a great show of creativity in Bradford. Do go and see them...get inspired!'

The night's announcements were followed by screenings of all the completed films from Year 12 (2001 - 02) and the development pieces from Year 13 (2002 - 03) of the scheme. All of the year 12 completed AIR scheme films have been commissioned by Channel Four and will be screened in the in the 7.55pm slot (press week 48) as follows:

Monday 24th November 2003
AIR: New Balls Please
Contract No: 36030
Director: Richard James Producer: Jayne Bevitt, Sherbet Productions
Temperatures rise on Centre Court as a new talent turns up the heat.

Tuesday 25th November 2003
AIR: Big Feet
Director: Clare Harford Producer: Phil Davies, Creative Film Productions
A teenage girl longs for big feet and decides to have a foot enlargement
operation.

Wednesday 26th November 2003
AIR: Moo(n)
Director: Leigh Hodgkinson. Producer: Maria Manton, Slinky Pictures
Relief for the common cold

Thursday 27th November 2003
AIR: The Girl and the Horse
Director: Rebecca Manley. Producer: Chris Shepherd, Slinky Pictures
The friendship between a girl and a horse grows and fills the void.


Bill Lawrence, Head of Film at the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, said: 'King Kong, Gromit, Micky Mouse and Popeye - 4 of the greatest stars of the 20th Century. But all arose from the mind of the animator. NMPFT is proud and delighted to be part of a new beginning in animation, seeking the great talents for the 21st Century, the creators of the global stars of the next 50 years. Our thanks to Channel Four for sharing this development with us and to animators for baring their imaginations to visitors to the Museum."