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.

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):

The last KINO 10 event of 2010 takes place on 21 December at the Bull’s Head, Moseley, with a touch of festive flavour.

Expect an eclectic mix of old and new short films, some music videos, various animations and a few Christmas treats.

The evening starts at 7.30pm, with films from 8pm. Entry is £3.

Sky Attack from crstokes83 on Vimeo.

Chris Stokes is a video artist in Birmingham, and has made this animation using a Sky Attack game, with music supplied by Creeping Jaw Society, consisting of manipulated sounds taken from samples of the game. Pretty cool.

Take a look at his winning animation ‘The History of Denim’, created to retell the origin of denim for designer LUKE, which originated from the West Midlands.

THE HISTORY OF DENIM – LUKE 1977 from Drew Roper on Vimeo.

The River project is a collaborative animated film based on a bespoke piece of contemporary dance, which has been created to represent and reflect the wider and diverse communities in Birmingham. The participants will consist of five groups of around forty people from different ages ranging from 8-78 years old all working collaboratively with lead-artist and director Babis Alexiadis to create the film.

Here’s a bit more blurb:

The project aims to engage with people from diverse communities in Birmingham; each community represents a river of creative energy; each river embraces its own shape, characteristics, colour and surroundings. As nature commands, the small rivers stream into a bigger river; this culturally and characteristically integrated river is Birmingham.

The project’s completed its first stage of research and development and presented the pilot at the West Midlands Cultural Olympiad launch on 24th July 2009.

There’s a River Project blog here and a website here for more info, and you can also contact Babis Alexiadis via email on alexiadisb@hotmail.com.

As with previous ‘…on Walls’ events this will be your chance to screen your animated shorts and chat with fellow animators. Entry to the event is free, and all Animation Forum WM members are encouraged to make submissions. To attend simply RSVP by email to info@animationforumwm.co.uk.

To submit work email Dave Allen on the above email who will give you all the details.

Digitoons Talks

• 2 Sept @ The Theatre, Custard Factory with Tobias Fouracre (Tandem Films) and Chris Randall (Second Home Productions)
• 3 Sept @ The Herbert, Coventry with Greg & Myles McLeod (The Brothers McLeod) and someone from Cosgrove Hall Films (TBC)
  
• 4 Sept @ Light House, Wolverhampton with Helene Friren (Tandem Films) and Richard Hayes (Cosgrove Hall Films)

All talks last from 6.30 to 8pm with nibbles until 9pm.  They’re all free too but places are limited to you’ll need to book – call 0121 753 7700 or email kate@hi8us.co.uk for that.

Digitoons Masterclasses

In addition to the talks:

The Brothers McLeod, will give six budding animators the opportunity to take part in five masterclasses to enable them to create their own one-minute animations. The finished product will be screened alongside renowned industry professionals at Millenium Point, as part of Hello Digital.

The classes will take place weekly between 16 Sept and 7 Oct 2008.  To apply for that call 0121 753 7700 or email kate@hi8us.co.uk.

For more info on the talks and masterclasses see the DigiToons eflyer.