Animated Exeter Press Release

20th December 2008

For immediate release

THE BEST OF WORLD ANIMATION
RETURNS TO EXETER FOR THE 10TH YEAR
13 – 21 February 2009

Animated Exeter will return next year to celebrate its 10th anniversary with an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops for the young and old, novice and experienced, great films from around the world and special events across the City.

Now in its 10th year and set to attract more than 18,000 visitors, Animated Exeter 2009 will bring the best of world animation to audiences in Exeter as the most dynamic and longest dedicated animation festival in the UK. Not only a festival for all to enjoy, Animated Exeter also showcases the wealth of creative talent in the region, both amateur and professional and aims to encourage those interested to pursue a career in animation.

Over a 13-day period, venues across the City as well as Honiton and Dartington will host over 140 different films, 50 workshops and a programme of special exhibitions and free events for all to enjoy.

MEDIA-RELEVANT DIARY DATES:
3rd January ‘09 (Sat) – Box office opens and Animated Exeter brochure available
14th January ‘09 (Wed) – Animated Exeter 2009 launch (5pm, screening at 6.30pm, Exeter Phoenix)
9th-13th February ’09 – Animated Exeter Schools Week
13th February ’09 – A Careers Day aimed at students and young people who love animation, this will be a fun packed day full of presentations and introductions to the fabulous world of animation
14th-21st February ’09 – Animated Exeter 2009

ANIMATED EXETER 2009 HIGHLIGHTS:

Education – Schools Week (9-13th Feb) comprises a multitude of activities from Animation Exploration days (animation workshops with artists, exhibitions and films) to an animation careers day for budding animators

Half term family fun – the festival’s interactive workshops will provide the perfect creative fun for all the family during the half term. Anyone can join in with hands-on animation workshops, ranging from drop-in taster sessions for children to master classes for professionals and animation students. Whether people want to brush up on their life drawing skills, find out about computer animation techniques, enjoy modelling characters or simply spend some creative time with the kids, fun is guaranteed!

South West animation: There is a strong representation from South West animation companies including Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations (Bristol), Honeycomb Animation (Cullompton) and King Rollo (Honiton), known for creations such as Maisy, Towser, and King Rollo. Arthur Cox, based in Bristol, will also be part of the celebrations, known for their 2D illustrative and narrative based content such as the BAFTA award winning ‘The Wrong Trainers’ for CBBC, the HECTOR road safety series plus numerous commercials in conjunction with Aardman Animation. Shufti Films are another Bristol-based animation company showing off their short live-action and animated films. Their success includes a series of one-minute miniatures for the BBC called “Hobbies,” all about record collectors and stick insect breeders.

South West talent competitions – A key element of the festival is the South West Showcase, which continues to demonstrate the wealth of animation talent resident in the South West, from emerging talent in schools to practising professional animators. Three high quality competitions take place during the festival including ExAnimation, which encourages under 18’s in the South West to submit their creative work; Best of the West celebrates the best student animation films from the South West and South Wales; Screen out Loud involves the best amateur and professional animation from the South West. Each competition winner will receive some unique prizes, kindly donated by organisations including University College Falmouth, Stop Motion Pro™, AT Computers and Kudlian Software.

The Environment Agency, in partnership with South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership and 20:20 Design Agency, is also encouraging talent through their competition for a 2 to 3 minute animated film showing how people, places or wildlife in the region will adapt positively to changes in our climate.

South West focused exhibitions – Animated Exeter’s exhibitions always give an insight into how animation is made, and this year we will be celebrating some of the best animation in the UK – made in the South West. The exhibition, Tales from the Golden West, will showcase the diversity and talent as well displaying the fascinating stories behind the making of films, series and commercials, demonstrating why the South West has become the centre of animation in the UK. Installed at Exeter Phoenix, the exhibition will run from 14th January to 21st February. At the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, Animated Exeter celebrates the classic hero of many animated shorts . Mouse! runs from 10th January to 28th February.

Screenings – Visitors can enjoy films from all over the world throughout the festival, including a selection of short films from France, appropriately scheduled for February 14th, entitled…Ah! l’amour! . In contrast, the following day sees a screening of a comic feature about heartbreak: the multi award winning, Sita Sings the Blues.

BAFTA at Animated Exeter – On the 14th February, BAFTA will present the first screening of the 2009 animation nominees and winners since the Film Awards at BAFTA on 8th February 2009. One of the BAFTA winners will also be in attendance at Animated Exeter (to be confirmed nearer the time)

Councillor Stella Brock, Exeter City Council’s portfolio holder for economy and tourism said, ‘Now in its tenth year, Animated Exeter continues to gain interest from some of the world’s greatest animators and 2009 is no exception. With such a diverse range of activities and attractions from the world of animation, visitors to Animated Exeter will once again enjoy an exceptional event unique to Exeter and the South West.’

Animated Exeter is the country’s longest and most diverse animation festival, providing entertainment and learning opportunities for children, families, young people, enthusiasts, professionals and industry. With tickets for most events costing under £10, plus free exhibitions and some free events and workshops, Animated Exeter is an affordable and fun way to liven up the winter months! Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.animatedexeter.co.uk” www.animatedexeter.co.uk for more information.

Animated Exeter is a City Council initiative made possible with support from, Arts Council England South West, South West Screen Lottery funding, Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter Phoenix, Spacex Gallery, Exeter Film Society, University of Exeter, plus generous business and volunteer support.

For tickets and a free brochure (available 3rd January 2009) of all events, join the mailing list online HYPERLINK “http://www.animatedexeter.co.uk” www.animatedexeter.co.uk or call 01392 665885. Tickets go on sale from 3rd January 2009.

Ends

For further information, please contact Alexis Thornely on 01392 278801 or email pr HYPERLINK “mailto:jo@onevoicemedia.co.uk” @onevoicemedia.co.uk

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