Kilogramme (Manchester Studio)

Kilogramme is an animation production company from Manchester, producing animations ranging from internet banners to adverts to childrens' TV shows. They cover both 2D and 3D animation, including concept and design, which is why I decided to visit their studio.

I live close to Manchester, and design, particularly in 2D is something that I am very interested in. Their studio space felt very wide and open, despite only being one part of a block of studios in the same building. It had a very friendly atmosphere, and all of the staff that I talked to were lovely. They used a range of programs, including Photoshop, After Effects and Flash. They work with different illustrators and their projects giving them a range of styles, and working with a lot of different style is something that I would love to do.

Jon Turner, who works at the helm of Kilogramme recommended me the book Cartoon Animation, by Preston Blair and suggested that I should look into doing more character turnarounds, which I will do in later project.

I asked about work experience but unfortunately they don't do that - however, we did discuss that if I email closer to the time that I would like to have done some, they can see if they have any studio space available and I could possibly bring some college work in to do, and I can get feedback and help from them if needed.

It was definitely worth going on a visit even if I did get quite nervous, but I am definitely going to go on more studio visits in the summer and try to keep in contact with as many people involving in Animation in Manchester as I can.

Reflection - Initial Ideas

For our Reflect project, I want to do something that not only helps to show my experiences of the year, but the sort of things I am interested in pursuing in the course, and that I have enjoyed doing the most for it.

I love the idea of doing an art book kind of presentation (although will it have lots of small extra text?) giving me a chance to do some more character/environment design as well as experimenting with media, allowing me to show my year in a much more visual way.

Thoughts about this year to be presented;

- Intention to illustrate, not animate; accidentally happen into this course
- Actually more impatient with storyboards, less enjoy than I thought

Character design - loved it as expected and did most work in that, intend to do more in the future.

Backgrounds - was fun for the purpose of experimenting and looking at layout; sometimes uninspired but that could have been to do with the places I had available to draw; would like to try it with maybe famous/historical places.

Animation - need lots of work! Slowly trying new programs, less scared of After Effects now. Still enjoy it less than design though! Think I over complicate things too much with Photoshop, so other experimenting is needed.

Have some scenes/storyboards of the year nearer the end of the presentation? Or stick to design things?

Story ----> Char Design ---> Env Design ---> SBoard ---> short animated gifs


Presentation then character design heavy with some environment design, possibly some storyboards. Write a script to talk about? Can then help inform the presentation, order of things etc.

Effective Presentation Tips

Presenting is about communicating something, and in a lot of cases, an opportunity to get constructive criticism and feedback from peers or an objective audience.

Be concise!
Know your audience - and assume they know nothing. Always put things into context, and inform your audience about what you are talking about.

Talk about;
- What you are doing
- How you got there
- How you plan to get there
- How you are planning to move forwards

A presentation should not be stressful... if you are prepared.

Be prepared!

Enjoy yourself!
Know your subject and keep it simple. Use imagery to illustrate a point... when necessary.

You should not use too much text. The audience is here to listen!

Each slide should be important and communicate clearly.

Avoid bullet points!

All slides should be readable from 8ft, or 2.45m (at least).

Be enthusiastic!

- You don't look as anxious as you feel.

Make a mistake?

Correct yourself and carry on!

Use cue cards, paper, post its, lecture notes etc

Don't leave it until the last minute!

Practice!

Give people time for questions!