“Flatpack returns to its roots for a sociable evening of short films in the Oobleck, the Custard Factory’s latest addition. We hope Dots and Loops will become a regular gathering of animation people and animated people, an opportunity to meet folks, have a drink and watch some really good work. This inaugural edition will include:

– Flatpack 2014 Award Winners;
– A selection of some of the best animation out there (old and new);
– Special guest animator, the amazing Peter Millard will be joining us to show some of his work (old and new) and he’ll also be choosing a handful of shorts that have inspired him in some way.

Flatpack also be joined by local and regional animation studios, Dice Productions, Yamination,Nice Monster, Second Home, and The Brothers McLeod who’ll be co-curating the programme.”

Flyer image: Greg McLeod.

The University of Wolverhampton opened its doors last weekend to friends, family and the general public to celebrate the work of their students. This has been a tradition in their building since 1969 with over 8,000 students taking part to date. The degree show is on until Saturday 14th June.

The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design Graduate shows are also on until Saturday 14th June with dates and activities varying across location and subject areas, please check the website to find out more. With the main subject areas spanning art, visual communication, fashion & textiles, 3D design, architecture and jewellery – there is a lot to go and see.

Staffordshire University’s annual Art and Design show opens Friday 13th June and will be open to everyone until Saturday 21st June. The show is a celebration of a range of work across their Art & Design courses. To find out more about ‘Show & Tell’ please visit their website.

We hope that the graduate shows for University of Worcester and Coventry University went well and wish all the Art & Design students the best of luck! We look forward to seeing your work.

The iconic building in Bournville was originally a gift to George and Elizabeth Cadbury by employees from Cadbury factories around the world to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.

BVT would like creative interpretations of the Rest House. It can be anything from a painting, a cake or a photograph. Watch their Craft Competition video for ideas on which craft to use!

The deadline for entries is 7th April 2014 and the winners will be announced at a centenary celebration on 12th April.

To submit your ideas visit the BVT Website to find out more.

In other Bournville related creative news:

Rowheath Drama Workshop have a free production of ‘Pressure Points’ at Rowheath Pavilion on Weds 16th & Thurs 17th April at 7.45pm, here’s the flyer:

Digbeth based Yamination Studios have launched a kickstarter to help them reach completion of their new animation ‘At-issue’:

Yamination is the hub of multi-award winning stop-motion/frame animator, Drew Roper. ‘At-issue’ is his brand new short film about Bartholomew, an unemployed lovable puppet, and his audition for the dream job – acting. But when a bizarre affliction strikes, he grasps that unless he can learn to be himself, his dream won’t be realised.

Falling short of your own expectations and never giving up on your dreams is something everyone can relate to; this film gives a light hearted spin on that and some of the cultural issues facing Britain today. Bartholomew’s situation is one that many people face, so we are demonstrating that there is hope if you keep the faith, the persistence and the determination.

We are currently mid-way through production, but you can help us reach the finish line by pledging absolutely anything you can to help us finish the film. Please share the page and spread the word!

Yamination Studios (which is a mixture of yam-yam and animation nonetheless) have a comprehensive list of kickstarter backer rewards in return for helping to push them towards the finish line of their mission.

You can opt for various downloads, a signed DVD of the final film, A3/A1 prints, and even character drawings through to studio experiences; including animation workshops/masterclasses with skilled professionals (Fantastic Mr. Fox and Frankenweenie Art Department Model Maker Yossel Simpson Little and Shaun the Sheep, Creature Comforts, Rastamouse and Tim Burton’s A Corpse Bride character animator Tim Allen) amongst other fantastic rewards.

You can read more about their intentions with the money (“not to be spent on beer”) and the full rewards list on the kickstarter page too.

Best of luck Drew & team!

Last minute call out for the Shorts on Walls animation event on TONIGHT (27th November) at the Victoria from 7pm. It promises to show a collection of local animators projected on the upstairs room of the pub.

Heres more info from the organisers Animation Forum West Midlands:

After much delay, Shorts on Walls is back for another night of fun, frolicks and animated films.

Pop along for free to The Victoria, Birmingham, on 27th November 2012 (7pm) and catch a screening of some great animated short films, all made in the Midlands.

To attend the screenings and meet some talented animators, simply reserve your place using the huge Register button above.

Click here to register on their Eventbrite and find out more.

KINO 10 have two events on in south Birmingham tomorrow. The first is OPEN YOUR NOGGIN in collaboration with Stirchley community cheerleaders Stirchley Happenings. KINO 10 have programmed a series of short kids films, suitable for all ages. It’s being screened upstairs at T.A.S.C.O.S (the Ten Acres and Stirchley Co-operative Society Social Club) on Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley. It starts at 3pm, ‘From cloud heroes to sprites made of sunlight, you’re sure to meet some inspiring and mischievous characters!’ 

At the Bull’s Head in Moseley tomorrow night, KINO 10 are back with the best in short film. Tap to Retry. ‘There are multi-award-winning films from Denmark, Norway, Spain, Japan, Israel, and the UK. From the sublime to the bizarre, no where else will you find such a brilliant selection of international shorts.’

We don’t generally write about music things, but At Tap to Retry, KINO 10 have two tickets to give away for a Capsule gig next Wednesday at the Custard Factory. For a chance to win the tickets, all you need to do is come along on Sunday – 8pm, The Bull’s Head, Moseley. Entrance is £4.

MV & EE with the Home Comfort Sound System – A spectral sound and cinema show from the visionary American free-folk duo, MV & EE with support from Health & Efficiency.

“Having rehabilitated the reputations of single men whose best friends are dogs (Wallace & Gromit) and pirates (Pirates), top animation studio Aardman have turned their talents to Britain’s most unfairly maligned city.

They joined forces with Isobel to create a new campaign for Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, creating a four-tier revolving model incorporating quirky interpretations of Brummie landmarks alongside domestic objects. Director Daniel Cohen said: “I always like making worlds and try to imagine where I would want to live in that place. I kind of just think like a child, that’s what I really feel lucky to be able to do – then there’s no right or wrong.”

As you’d expect the animation and model-making is first class contributing to a really fun campaign.”

Watch the video on Vimeo. Words It’s Nice That, link posted by Handsprings on twitter.

Animation Forum WM have teamed up with Dice Productions and Flip Festival to bring three separate programmes of screenings of the best UK animated films of 2010 and 2011 to Birmingham. The shorts will be screened on Thursday 9th, Friday 10th, and Saturday 11th February from 7pm each night at The Custard Factory Theatre and you can vote to help determine the Public Choice winners.

Buy tickets and get more information on the Animation Forum WM website.

This is Voices of Digbeth by a few people who have modestly decided not to put their full names to it:

And this is Wasted Digbeth by Keanu Jones (I liked his Attack of the Dinozilla too):