Aardman New Talent Showcase
I was in Bristol last night for the Aardman New Talent Showcase, something they have run for the last couple of years. Essentially they pick a selection of up and coming designers, artists, animators and students and show their work in one of the studio spaces in Bristol for a few days.
It’s fascinating to see student work lined up alongside professional stuff and a lot of it stood up very well to comparison even though the student portfolios were undoubtedly thinner than the pros!
The showcase was originally designed so that Aardman staff can have a look at potential talent that they may use on upcoming shows, this year they also held a private view - inviting other people from around the animation industry (hence me going along).
This is an interesting move, as although the industry presence was not huge (and naturally a lot of the guests had close links with Aardman themselves) it still seemed very brave to invite competitors along to network with prospective new talent.
I also found out a bit more about the upcoming adaptation of Fantastic Mr Fox being directed by Wes Anderson as a stop frame feature. Aside from the obvious greatness that is an animation feature being made in the UK, this is a great story being made by one of my favourite directors* and I am now very excited. Shame it isn’t out until next year at the earliest.
* Although there is apparently a distinct lack of tracksuits and writing stock involved 