skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Animation Re-Orientation: Animation Forum West Midlands, G(local)isation and the Creation of Regional Network Communities in the New Digital Age
Abstract: 
This paper examines the emergence of regional clusters of creative animation industries, specifically focusing upon the work of Animation Forum West Midlands (AFWM). Created in 2005, AFWM was formed with Digital Central financing to concentrate its attention upon fostering and generating of a network of animation creatives across the bedroom cultures and SMEs of animation workers within the West Midlands. AFWM facilitates in the development of these cluster communities and networking opportunities in order to encourage the development of collaborative enterprises within the region. AFWM functions not only as a creative hub of animation activity within the new digital age, but also acts as a refuge against the centralised processes of London and a barrier against the tide of international animation outsourcing.
Biographical Statement: Dr Kerry Gough is a Lecturer in Media Theory at Birmingham City University. She has recently completed her doctoral thesis at The University of Nottingham, which examines the historical reception of the Alien film quad and the historically specific function that Lt. Ripley fulfils, as a nexus for societal discourse and debate surrounding the body and gendered norms. She has published on comic book culture and her research interests include film and television horror, science fiction and most recently the generation of networks of animation workers and the potential that this offers for the further development of the industry within the UK.
The Golden Ages of Animation: Diverse Origins in Canada and the U.S.
Abstract: T
his paper will compare and contrast the origins of animation in Canada and the U.S. From a historical and cultural perspective, I will examine the development of animation in Canada and the U.S., and compare the influences that have created the industries that both nations currently enjoy. It will be seen that national psychology, politics, and governmental presence all played a significant role in determining the kinds of animation found in Canada and the U.S. in the first half of the twentieth century. Interestingly enough, these same influences continue to impact the animation of both countries even today.
Biographical statement: Lynne Perras teaches in Canadian Studies in the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary. Her research areas are Canadian animation, Canadian humour, and hockey history and culture in Canada. She is also the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in the Undergraduate Programs Office.
The Israeli Animation of Jewish Tradition in "The Animated Haggadah"Abstract: The pap
er examines the Israel television special "The Animated Haggadah" (1985), directed by Rony Oren. The special remains a rare example of Israeli animation that managed to become successful both in the international market, and among Israeli audience. The Animated Haggadah" is also a unique example for Israeli animation that builds upon and links between the visual tradition of both Jewish and Israeli cultures. Using clay models, the animated special dramatizes both the text and the different rituals related to the Passover holiday feast, linking Israeli modern life with the traditional Jewish tale of exile, exodus, and return to the homeland.
Biographical Statement: Raz Greenberg is a PhD student at the Communication Studies Department of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research aims at building an overall theoretical framework for animation, focusing on the definition of animation as text, and the analysis of such text. In addition, Raz also researches how Jewish culture – in Israel and around the world – has influenced the development of comics and animation in the media.
This paper examines the emergence of regional clusters of creative animation industries, specifically focusing upon the work of Animation Forum West Midlands (AFWM). Created in 2005, AFWM was formed with Digital Central financing to concentrate its attention upon fostering and generating of a network of animation creatives across the bedroom cultures and SMEs of animation workers within the West Midlands. AFWM facilitates in the development of these cluster communities and networking opportunities in order to encourage the development of collaborative enterprises within the region. AFWM functions not only as a creative hub of animation activity within the new digital age, but also acts as a refuge against the centralised processes of London and a barrier against the tide of international animation outsourcing. 
