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!

Cannon Hill Collective

mac is looking for seven young people (aged 16-24) to be part of its young people’s programme, Cannon Hill Collective.

Starting in October, and running through to April 2014, the Cannon Hill Collective offers young people aged between 16 and 24 the chance to engage and connect with mac: from initiating, producing and delivering their own projects to advising on mac’s wider work with young people.

Over a six-month period, they’ll work alongside arts professionals, be introduced to top-notch creative work, be invited to mac events, and devise original work to share with young people across the region and beyond.

They had a great range of participants last year, and we wrote about it then too. The previous line-up created #nextgenfest, a curated free festival of art, music and performance.

Applications close on 16^th September 2013. For further information/ to apply visit:

http://www.ideastap.com/Opportunities/Brief/Cannon-Hill-Collective-160913