Following the success of the first ‘Animorsels’ event last year, animation enthusiasts discovered how Olobob Top – a 52-episode series for CBeebies – was brought to the screen at an event in March run by Nottingham animators Bottletop and supported by RTS Midlands.
Steve Smith, the founder of London-based animation studio Beakus and Olobob Top producer, described the hard work and personal risk involved in getting an animation idea commissioned for television. He discussed the development of the characters, how the animations were refined to make the production process manageable and gave the audience a glimpse into the incredible amount of planning required in producing a series.
The audience at the Antenna Media Centre in Nottingham also watched an eclectic mix of animations from around the globe, including entries for the ‘MicroMorsels’ animation challenge on the theme of ‘spring’.
Rosie Shewell, production coordinator at Hereford-based production company Rural Media spoke about the ‘New Creatives’ initiative, a BBC Arts/Arts Council England talent development scheme that will see 500 artists, from 16 to 30, commissioned to make innovative short films, audio and interactive works for BBC channels and platforms.
Bottletop creative director Mark Pyper, who organised the Animorsels event, said: “Everyone had a great time and we all learnt something about animation along the way – we are already working on the next event.”
The first Animorsels event in October 2018 featured Aardman model maker Jim Parkyn.
