Josephine BAF 2013

Bradford Animation Festival Official Site.

I was lucky enough to attend BAF 2014's 20th festival. I have enjoyed the festival every year since first attending LCA, and this year's line up didn't disappoint. There's far too much to relay all the details here, but I'll highlight some of my favourite pieces and seminars.

There were many interesting panels, one of which was with Dave McKean, the illustrator  responsible for the Sandman Cover art, among countless other collaborations with Neil Gaiman, one of my favourites being 'The Graveyard Book'. During the panel he offered insight into his work ethic and diversity of work, ranging from illustration to Film Work and 3D texturing in the cult hit 'Mirror Mask'.

One of the most prevalent trends I noticed was the re-emergence of stop motion, From the Steampunk inspired and award winning 'Butterflies', to the charming musical, cut out paper animation 'Miss Todd'. , Winner of the student academy awards!

I was pleased to see this, as it is often debated that stop motion and traditional animation are dying art forms, but after the eclectic and imaginative selection this year, I beg to differ.

There was also a Masterclass with Local animator, Lee Hardcastle, whose hyper violent claymation videos have earned him viral fame and actual revenue. During the seminar, we were treated to a selection of his most famous shorts including the award winning "T is for Toilet", and a private screening of his first episodic film, "Ghost Burger."

He took a Q and A, and gave me excellent advice about emulating fake blood. He even congratulate me on the use of the word 'Viscosity' in a sentence.  

I was also lucky enough to see the Academy award winning 'Mr Hublot' before it was nominated.