The FDMX supported collaborative 1001 Encounters animation project was exhibited at the Norwich School of Art and Design in early November. The collaboration between the St Joost Art Academy, Holland and the Norwich School of Art and Design was deemed a great success.

Students from each institute paired up after being asked to develop a character for a 30 second short animated piece. In addition to character development they would also have to develop a scenario in which the two characters could interact. Working via the internet, using blogs and skype the students were able to discuss and communicate ideas and work in progress to each other across the ether. The animations varied in style, narrative, setting and the use of sound.

The finished animations are witty and well produced. There is a combination of hand drawn 2D , digitally manipulated and composited pieces some being fully coloured and others in monochrome. All were very well created in the six weeks the students were given to make them.

The animations were energetic, fresh and although short many evoked instant empathy from the audience through various inspired surroundings and situations. Noman, the line drawn character put with the three headed goose has similar characteristics of to a character from Howl’s Moving Castle and is very much based round a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Another line drawn, monochrome animation was ‘The Girl, The Chicken and the Fox,’ a simple piece but very funny with excellent interaction between the characters.

Plumbum and Cat was a brightly coloured animation and very amusing. The anime inspired short was extremely detailed in the drawing, linear lines, straight edges which; turns out to be a stark contrast with the second part of the animation which is a bright, almost neon world, with round edges and curves.

Here are some comments from the students who worked on the project.

Comments from: Bas Hesen 4th year Animation Student, St Joost Art Academy, Holland
Blogsite: http://lamlamnorwich.blogspot.com/

"Working on the same project from two different countries is a challenge as we’ve never had before. But more than anything, it’s loads of fun."

Comments from: Rachinta Platts BAGD3 NSAD Animation Student
Blogsite: http://www.vonplatts.blogspot.com/

"I think we have been very lucky to have this opportunity and experience an international animation collaboration. Our character designs matched well and it's interesting to see how other people work because I have always worked as an individual. Besides gaining new connections, I would say I have made a new friend in the process."

To read more comments from the students who took part and links to their blog spots please click here.
And to read more details about how the project came about please click here.