I felt very privileged to have an invitation in January to the private premiere of At-Issue, an 8 ½ minute film produced by Drew Roper, Director of Yamination Studios in Digbeth. Drew has recently joined the Forum’s board and this interview was an opportunity for me to get to know him better and to introduce him to those of you who have yet to meet him.
What inspired the idea for At-issue?
In 2009, along with some university friends, I attended Annecy Animation Festival, France. This festival blew me away! I came away feeling very inspired, and so, on the journey back, myself and my chums decided to invent an idea which would be extremely unique. I always strive for innovation and so wanted to introduce this using animation. At the time, juxtaposing the three main mediums of animation to help tell a story had not been done before. So that was it. I wanted to go about making this a reality. And, what a challenge! I now know why I hadn't seen anything before…
You studied animation at university. Was that enough to be able to provide CGI, 2D and stop motion techniques for At-issue or was there further training or help from others to make this happen?
I studied a BA (Hons) Animation degree at Southampton Solent University from 2006-2009. The initial training is more than sufficient. However, you do all your learning once you've left university, as we all know! There’s nothing like a hands-on approach and testing what you know. We had several under-grads, graduates and young industry professionals work on the film to try and put to use what they’ve learnt at university and try to develop their skills more, which they did! Most of them have gone on to work for some of the biggest names/companies in the industry. Quite often on the film, we would have various industry experienced personnel visit and share a thing or two with the guys that were after more experience. Luckily, the younger crew members were not only very talented, but quick to learn too, so once the “knowledge” was passed on, they took it in their stride to build/make/draw/animate something better with the next tasks set for them.
How did the Sky Arts deal come about?
Very fortunately I was awarded a bursary to make the film within a year, as a part of the Sky Academy Arts Scholarship Scheme (their latest round is now open, by the way), but as time elapsed, I knew the finances wouldn’t get me over the finish line within the year. That said, a broadcast deal was never on the cards or in the agreement, but once I was closing in on completion, I kept in contact with all at Sky with regular updates, frequently asking to take this further and I was informed, once it was finished and ready for viewing, I should send it to the director of Sky Arts. I did and got the broadcast deal I was after! So, ironically, through one of the story’s key words, perseverance, At-issue was assigned to Sky Arts’ broadcast schedule on a two year deal!
Were you happy with the way things went with the screening at the mac? What were the highlights? Lows, if any?
It’s always nerve racking viewing your film in front of a packed audience, but I was in good company. It was a small, but yet oh so special screening for the crew so it was a delight to not only see everyone again, but to finally see it on the silver screen. It was totally overwhelming! As you saw, I was rather emotional, but the applause and support was and has been incredible and makes you feel all the hard work was and is worth it. I just hope everyone likes it!
(Image courtesy of Sky Broadcasting PLC)
Are there other plans for showing the film?
Yes, we have a festival run planned, so it’ll hopefully be on cinema screens globally in competition with other animated shorts. As a filmmaker, it’s something you always like doing, as you get to travel, meet new and exciting people and see some familiar faces.
Can you say more about your plans for 2016?
Well it’s started with a bang! Besides the private premiere and then seeing it broadcast just afterward, we’ve had the news that the studio’s made it into Creative England’s Top 50 businesses. For the studio, it’s business as usual, in and amongst promotion of At-issue, we’ll be working on some exciting new projects, promos and commercials. The new website will be live very shortly so all being well, 2016 will be a great year!
How do you feel about being invited on the board of The Producers’Forum? Can you provide any info about the upcoming Animation event for Forum?
It’s a very honourable acknowledgement to be asked to be a part of the board. It’s nice to be able to help support what the Forum was set out to do all those years ago and take it further, and in my mind the aim of building more of an animated side to the Forum is exciting. The event idea is to think big and attract the biggest talent to the city and get these individuals engaging with the great talent and things going on within the Forum.
Drew was speaking to Carole Manship.
What do you think?
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