Most of us are aware of climate change and the effects of our carbon footprint, these are big themes, global issues on a scary scale, effecting a lot of people.
So for two twelve year old girls, from south Wales, who are part of a collective of creatives looking at these huge themes, the challenge was to share their thoughts, ideas, emotions and fears on this huge topic. And they have, brilliantly.
This short film, simply communicates with strong visual ideas, in true cartoon style, the magnitude of the problem.
To be able to take such a huge theme and reduce it down to a short 30 second animation is an important skill for all filmmakers.
During the summer break I've been working as a facilitator for the Tate Movie project. This is a fantastic opportunity for children (aged 7- 13 yrs) to be part of an incredible animation film, due for release in 2012, at cinemas and on CBBC
The Tate are touring the UK, working in schools,at festivals and the Tate galleries, with children to create art work, plots, sounds and ideas for an animation film that is being created by Aardman animations.
Essential all the ideas for the film, come from the children, through these workshops. It's been a great summer, being part of this tour and over the weekend I worked at the Thames festival with the BBC in the Talk and Do tent, along side the Tate Movie Project.
The reason for this posting is to let you know that children can still be part of this unique project, via their website.
The website is one of the best websites I've seen for a while, packed with great ideas that are fun and inclusive. It's all completely free and all you need to do is sign up.
On the website you can find out what art work the animators at Aardman need, then draw it at home or school and send it, via a freepost address or email to Aardman. If the art work is included in the final film, the young artist will be credited in the film! fantastic, I'm jealous.
On the website you can; watch some demo clips, of art work children have created, that have then been brought to life by animators at Aardman. Submit ideas for the script and make noises for inclusion in the final film. This website needs your creative input!
Spend some time exploring the site and get involved. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved in an amazing, creative, huge idea.
The clip below was created by animators at Aardman using art work made by children, it will give you an idea of the look and feel of the project.
A digital story teller, educator, trainer and producer of resources and films for education. My passion is encouraging collaborative learning and giving people of all ages an opportunity to discover their creative potential using technology.
I have worked for the BBC, British Council and Apple and have been an Apple Distinguished Educator since 2002.
This year I've been traveling the UK and beyond presenting at conferences for BFI, Film Education,CILT, SWGFL and many education authorities as well as in Chile, Dubai, South Africa and China
