animate! › Funding › 2001 › howitworks
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scheme | how animate! works
animate! is an annual commissioning scheme, with a UK-wide call for entries.
Our definition of animation is broad and inclusive. We are interested in anything risk-taking other than direct live-action. Celluloid, tape and digital technologies are all acceptable, in pure or hybrid form.
Your idea is likely to require frame-by-frame techniques or a re-presentation process such as, for example, image or timeline manipulation. Remember that innovation can apply to narrative as well as technique.
Above all, proposals must be fired by an irresistibly original idea - an idea that is beyond live-action film.
eligibility
Applications are welcome from artists with experience of film, video and digital media, animators already established in the industry and emergent talent.
Collaborations with other artists, photographers, illustrators, writers, composers and sound designers are strongly encouraged.
Application is open to animators and artists resident in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Full-time students or those intending to be during the life of the production are not eligible. animate! welcomes proposals from all sections of the community.
animate! does not fund development, completion, co-production with other broadcasters, or distribution, and does not commission work made specifically for children, cartoon-character based stories, series, pilots, educational films, community art projects, multiscreen or gallery work.
your proposal
Your main opportunity to explain the work you want to make is in a formal treatment. It is a creative exercise in itself. Aim to crystallise your main idea, and then describe and evoke the work in a way which will engage, interest and inform the selection panel. The following list may help as an indication of what you should cover:
- the idea - what it is and what it is about
- structure/form - the sequence of events, the shape, rhythm, pace, feel
- visuals - look, style, treatments
- sound - music, dialogue, voice-over, effects, atmosphere
- technique(s) - how the work will be realised and the processes involved
- audience - how the work will relate to and communicate with its audience
selection criteria
Your application will be judged on:
- the creativity and originality of the proposal
- the artistic and technical quality of the examples of previous work submitted
- the likelihood that the proposal can be realised within the outlined budget and schedule
- suitability for a television audience
selection process
We will acknowledge your application in writing. Shortlisting will be by Finetake and the Arts Council of England.
Shortlisted proposals will be considered by an independent selection panel. Final shortlisted applicants may - but not necessarily - be asked to attend an interview. The panel will select between 4 to 6 proposals to receive production funding.
the deal
Each selected Animate!-maker will be responsible for the direction and production of their personal project. The scheme will provide advice on production needs, rights clearances and broadcast technicalities.
The maximum production schedule for projects is 14 months overall. Films must have a running time of 3-6 minutes, be made in the UK, and be suitable for a television audience.
All animate! films to date have been screened on Channel 4 Television.
Projects will be promoted and internationally distributed by The Lux Centre, London. Finetake will be working with The Lux Centre and other organisations to expand the audience for animate! works.
Animate!-makers retain copyright and ownership of their films.
how to apply »
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Documents
- 2001: Guidelines and application form (PDF, 77,827 bytes)
- 2001: Guidelines and application form (RTF, 42,175 bytes)
- 2001: Guidelines and application form (earlier version) (PDF, 82,620 bytes)