Read All About It ...
All the news that's fit to print, tweet & brag about on Facebook ...
One From The Heart ...
15/02/17
The MENDED LITTLE HEARTS organization supports children, patients and families suffering from congenital heart disease. To create more awareness of their important work, they commissioned BLACKLIST & STUDIO AKA to create a sequential set of animations that illustrate the proposition that the more you donate the better the story gets ... The perception of the same story told in different visual renders makes some subtle differences to how the story is perceived, and rewards the commitment of the viewer with each successive viewing.
Watch it all at: GIVE A FULLER LIFE
Find out more: PROJECT PAGE
A Song For Europa ...
29/11/16
STUDIOAKA has enjoyed a long-standing working relationship with Icelandic composer JOHANN JOHANNSSON, ever since he scored our film VARMINTS, for which he won first prize for Best Original Score at the Rhode Island film festival. So we were delighted when he asked us to create a film for 'A Song for Europa': one of the beautiful tracks from his release ORPHEE on Deutsche Grammophone ...
Watch A SONG FOR EUROPA by GERGELY WOOTSCH for JOHANN JOHANNSSON here:HERE
Time After Time ...
18/11/16
Much of what really matters gets forgotten or left behind in the seasonal melee. This reality inspired Berlin based agency HEIMAT to create the 2016 Christmas campaign for online retail store OTTO. To that end, STUDIO AKA have created a film that depicts a family whose lives have become disconnected from each other through the demands of individually busy lives ...
FIND OUT MORE ON THE PROJECT PAGE
Make A Wish ...
18/11/16
In 2014, Dublin agency BOYS & GIRLS helped Three Ireland tell the heart-warming Christmas story of one little girl�s �Perfect Surprise�, when her Dad brought her back her very own snow cloud. This year�s campaign continues that story in animation, and imagines what came next ...
PROJECT PAGE
Please Sir ...
07/10/16
You know how it is ... sometimes you just need people to be flexible. To that end, our latest spot for TSB 'Pick and Protect' tells the story of a young boy in and his experiences in two contrasting sweet shops - demonstrating the need for flexible home insurance in the process ...
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
Welcome ...
15/08/2016
... to Designer & Art Director Manddy Wyckens!
Manddy Wyckens specialises in both background painting and character design. She also directs short-films and music videos, and her bold compositions and contrast create vibrant atmospheric backgrounds, with characters often as minimal as her landscapes. We are really happy to be representing Manndy as a designer & director at AKA ...
DIRECTORS PAGE
Character Course MEXICO CITY 2016 �
24/09/16
The Berlin based Pictoplasma Academy visited Mexico City and invited a selected group of participants for a unique 1-week CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT COURSE, supervised by tutors Rilla Alexander and Nathan Jurevicius. STUDIO AKA's Philip Hunt ran a course on character driven storytelling, as part of a program challenging participants to explore specific personal projects or their general style right across the media spectrum � from drawing and illustration to sculpture and visual storytelling � to find the right path for their further development.
PICTOPLASMA ACADEMY MEXICO.
Hot in the City, Tonight ...
26/06/16
In SAN PELLEGRINO 'TASTE', AKA Director Marc Craste & Art director Manddy Wyckens have conjured up an intimate rooftop dinner party "... with an ambience reminiscent of endless summer evenings and good times with friends. Even as night falls the evening need never end as San Pellegrino effortlessly provides the starlight, illuminating the rooftops & streets to spread the party ..."
PROJECT PAGE
DUGGEE In the USA ...
11/07/16
He�s on his way over the Pond! A-WOOF!
Hey Duggee lands in the USA from Today!
Find him at 2pm/1c on Nick Jr!
More about Duggee ... PROJECT PAGE
Available on DVD & iTunes UK: STORE
Pictoplasma Academy 2016 �
24/09/16
Once again we were teaching at Pictoplasma Academy 2016! The selected participants engaged in workshops, lectures and other tasks - all to challenge them in how they create their work - whilst an exclusive ACADEMY GROUP-SHOW will also form part of the next Pictoplasma Festival in 2017.
The tutors and lecturers of the 2016 master-class included: Rilla Alexander, Nathan Jurevicius, Mehdi Hercberg, Benjamin van Oost and STUDIO AKA's PHILIP HUNT again hosting a 2 day Lecture & Animation Workshop on Character driven story telling looking at �writing, sequencing & visual narration ��
PICTOPLASMA ACADEMY.
Fetch!...
04/07/16
Our latest TSB spot, �Dog' is all about how TSB works to give you more, & the more you use them. the more you get. It's called 'Plusness' ...
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
Welcome (back) ...
26/04/2016
... to Director Gergely Wootsch!
Gergely is an award winning animation director who has built a formidable reputation with experience at a number of high profile and frankly awesome studios - including here at STUDIO AKA - so we are naturally delighted to be now representing him worldwide as a director. Take a stroll through some of his work ...
DIRECTORS PAGE
FMX 2016 ...
05/04/16
AKA was honoured to be guest speaking at the FMX Conference in Stuttgart, Europe's most influential conference for digital entertainment. We gave a talk about how much of what we do is related to a projects journey and not its final destination ... showcasing a selection of work from the late 90's to the present day, illustrating how we got 'from there to here' �
INFO
Right round, round round...
16/09/15
AKA Director STEVE SMALL just delivered our latest TSB spot, which is called �Partnership' and is all about how TSB works together with their customers in so that you can get the best out of your banking, rather than trying to make money out of them (as some other banks might)...
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
Picto-Forum 2016�
05/04/16
The Pictoplasma CHARACTER FORUM took place on Thursday 5th MAY at VILLA ELISABETH / INVALIDENSTR. 3 / 10115 BERLIN.
Set in an intimate, friendly atmosphere, registered Conference attendees get the unique chance to privately pitch their personal character based project or portfolio to a room full of industry professionals, exclusive makers and shakers and selected talent scouts... and STUDIO AKA. Yeah.
PICTO-LINK.
BAFTA Nominated ...
22/11/14
Well done to the HEY DUGGEE team for their nomination in the Pre-school: Animation category at the 20th British Academy Children�s Awards. We were pipped to the post this time ... but hey, congratulations to THE CLANGERS team! Amazing to be up there in such good nominee company ... "A-Woof-Woof!", as Duggee would say ...
More about Duggee ... PROJECT PAGE
Available on DVD & iTunes UK: STORE
See No Evil ...
05/10/15
See No Evil recently presented Studio AKA director & HEY DUGGEE Creator GRANT ORCHARD, who spilled the beans on his eclectic works from determined birds, to relentless zombies and very big dogs...
SeeNoEvil is an initiative from Thiago Maia and James Wignall, which sees a bi-monthly event/meeting for all animators, designers and directors to show and discuss their work, and generally foster a better sense of community.
If you want to show your work to the world, please submit it to [email protected]
SEE NO EVILD
GRANT ORCHARD
The Only Way Is Up ...
16/09/15
Director STEVE SMALL demonstrates how the TSB Plus account "just got 'plusser' ..." in this story of one child's encounter with the harsh realities of life's disappointments - courtesy of a dodgy balloon seller - and how there are much better options on offer, if you pick wisely. Charming 2D animation crafted at the campaigns exceptional level once again.
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
In Bruges ...
02/09/15
Draw first, animate later...
Showing at the beautiful Garemijnzaal in the historic centre of Bruges in Belgium, this exhibition of films and artwork by international animation professionals runs from 2nd till 7th September 2015. The list of exhibiting artists includes Gill Bradley, Inge Daveloose, Karel Dhondt, Charlotte Houwing, Jan Michiels, Zoe Schelfthout, Michael Schlingmann, Philip Vallentin, An Vrombaut, Claire Wright and STUDIO AKA director STEVE SMALL, whose amazingly detailed observations of customers in restaurants and cafes - all sketched on fragile paper napkins - has to be seen to be believed.
EXHIBITION Event Page
DIRECTORS PAGE
HEY DUGGEE!
26/05/14
Our new 52-Episode Pre-School series - devised by BAFTA winning & Oscar-nominated Director Grant Orchard - HEY DUGGEE is based around 'Duggee' - a big friendly dog who runs 'The Squirrel Club' - a place where kids take part in all kinds of activities, have adventures and earn activity badges all along the way. Duggee teaches the kids about being responsible, working as a team, taking acceptable risks and most importantly ... having fun!
Produced entirely at STUDIO AKA, the series enlists the warmth & charm of comedian Alexander Armstrong who narrates the playful series alongside an outstanding cast of kids in the main roles ...
Watch weekdays on Cbeebies
Catch up on BBC iPlayer
More about Duggee ... PROJECT PAGE
Available on DVD & iTunes UK: STORE
GREENIES Pill Pockets ...
21/07/15
Licking the hand that feeds them ...
Medicine time for Pets has never been easier thanks to GREENIES� PILL POCKETS�, are a cleverly designed pet treat that helps you surreptitiously administer medicine to your pets while they enjoy a tasty snack. A healthier alternative to using human foods, with fewer calories and less fat & sodium, they are a smarter way to make the medicine go down & keep those tails wagging...
AKA director Steve Small designed a series of sharply observed characters and their pets, in response to the brief by agency ROCKFISH to create simple uncomplicated world in which the designs of both pets and their owners shared a common charm, whilst remaining grounded in moments relatable to pet-lovers worldwide.
PROJECT PAGE
Ross Phillips ...
08/05/2015
Ross Phillips is an Animation Director & Designer who brings together wit and timing in his wonderful animated snippets. His short & snappy work has been applied to everything from short films to games, e-cards & gifs for digital publications. Ross is currently working as a designer on our CBeebies series Hey Duggee, & we are delighted to be representing Ross at STUDIO AKA.
DIRECTORS PAGE
Burcu & Geoffrey ...
10/03/2015
Welcome to Burcu & Geoffrey, a directing duo composed of Burcu Sankur & Geoffrey Godet, who work together to create a beautiful balance of both craft and observation. Burcu, native of Istanbul, is passionate about illustration and design, and Geoffrey, a frenchman, is fascinated with 3D animation and its technical aspects.
Burcu & Geoffrey are represented in the UK by STUDIO AKA.
DIRECTORS PAGE
B&B STICKWORLD Campaign
12/05/15
Did you know that over seven million men and women in the UK suffer from an overactive bladder?
STICK WORLD is a campaign set across four TVCs designed to raise awareness of the commonplace but still taboo topic that is bladder weakness. The spots gently encourage people not to be embarrassed & to go and see their doctor to find out about the different treatment approaches and medicines available.
CAMPAIGN PAGE
CAMPFIRE Sunrise Awards 2015 ...
09/07/15
We recently gave a short talk at CAMPFIRE - a cultural platform curating a series of events, radio shows, exhibitions, screenings and performances - in the fine company of Danny Miller from �Little White Lies� Magazine, Director Brian O�Malley and amidst the work of graphic Artist Malika Favre.
MORE INFO
Picture This �
23/05/14
Photo London is a unique photography event featuring the world's leading photography galleries and publishers, alongside an innovative public programme supported by the LUMA Foundation.
A series of exhibitions, installations and live events in and around Somerset House from May 21-24th was all bound together in the exhibition design work of GRAPHIC THOUGHT FACILITY. Studio AKA helped bring their exhibition identity posters to life across a series of large format LED screens which featured a series of animating photograms ...
VIEW PROJECT
Photo London
Graphic Thought Facility
Let's Play NOMAD X ...
10/03/16
In a YouTube review of his favourite video game, a man tells a story of heartbreak whilst guiding us through the space simulator 'Nomad X'. Discover both secrets of the game-play and an unforgotten love in this new short from AKA Director Kristian Andrews ...
Director & Producer: Kristian Andrews
Music & sound: David Kamp
Additional animation: Iain Guillespie
Voice: Rasmus Hartiger
Nominated at the 2016 BRITISH ANIMATION AWARDS! Check out this gem if you've not already done so...
LET'S PLAY NOMAD X
KRISTIAN ANDREWS
PICTOPLASMA Talks �
11/02/14
Studio AKA have lectured at the PICTOPLASMA festival since its launch in 2004 - with talks by Philip Hunt, Marc Craste & Grant Orchard at ievents in Argentiuna 2008, NYC 2009 & in Berlin 2004, 2006, 2012 & 2015.
STUDIO AKA were again in attendance at PICTOPLASMA BERLIN 2015 for the THE NEW CHARACTER FORUM as total of 17 attendees presented their portfolios and character based projects - for 6 minutes each! - to Der gro�e K�se from the industries of animation, games, toy design, new media, and illustration. Lovingly hosted by Rilla Alexander and Nathan Jurevicius, conference attendees got instant feed-back on a focused selection of their artwork and concepts.
PICTOPLASMA 2015
For a candid slice of Marc Craste - Watch this10 min edit of his lecture at the 2009 Berlin Pictoplasma Conference on contemporary character design and art.
WATCH
What do we want & when do we want it?
20/04/15
Director STEVE SMALL demonstrates how TSB is now On Demand, as it introduces a new way for customers of the bank to manage their finances on the move.
The 'Local Banking On Demand' adverts are composed of three separate scenarios in with we see the sweet, simple character performance - that has become the signature of the campaign - play out in a variety of incidents where On Demand banking has come to the rescue.
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
#Feelingnuts gets a Gong!
29/04/15
Check One Two's #feelingnuts awareness campaign, got a Silver Award and Honourable Mention at the Shorty Awards! - Well done to all the team!
Studio AKA helped out by creating the short film to both introduce the campaign and the 90 min TV comedy show for Channel 4 - check out:
SHORTY AWARDS
CHECK ONE-TWO
Link to PROJECT PAGE
Google Doodling ...
17/03/2015
AKA's Eamonn O'Neill was commissioned by Ryan Germick - the Google Doodle Team Lead in Mountain View - to create the Doodle for St. Patrick's day ...
Happy St. Patrick's day
Fortune favours the prepared �
03/02/15
Director STEVE SMALL has summons up this TSB spot for agency JOINT LONDON called "Fortune Teller�, which recognises that as there are things in life that can�t be planned for, so your mortgage should be as flexible as your future ...
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
BARBARA-IAN! ...
20/02/15
Break-neck dungeoneering with 1 hit point! You play Barbara-ian, a mythical badass with perma-rage & a penchant for smashing. Featuring super fast paced physics based mayhem, one hit is all that stands between you and a quick restart ...
BarbaraIan is the brainchild of Sam Chester and Kristian Andrews and is now BETA testing and canvasing your vote!
Barbara-Ian
Steam Greenlight
YouTube
Vimeo
The Story 2015 ...
20/02/15
Studio AKA�s Philip Hunt was honoured to be a guest speaker at this years 'THE STORY', a one-day conference about stories and story-telling. The day is an eclectic celebration of everything that is wonderful, inspiring and awesome about stories, in whatever medium possible - written, spoken, played, described, enacted, whispered, projected, orchestrated, performed, printed � whatever form stories come in.
THE STORY 2015
FAUX IMAGES XIV ...
02/12/14
SUDIO AKA was delighted to be a guest speaker at FAUX IMAGES on December 16th in Berlin. FAUX IMAGES is a quarterly meeting for local and international filmmakers, designers and artists from related disciplines, who are invited to present their work through lectures and screenings. FAUX IMAGES is organized by Mate Steinforth in cooperation with LEAP (Lab for Electronic Arts and Performance).
MORE
A (RED) STORY ...
03/12/14
There are many stories we can tell you about AIDS. Here's one that we'd like to share ...
Working against the clock, STUDIO AKA Directors Philip Hunt & Kristian Andrews teamed up with Artist & Author/Illustrator Oliver Jeffers to turn around a short film to introduce (RED)'s work raising money and awareness for the fight against AIDS. (RED) has raised over $300 million dollars to fund HIV/AIDS programs in Africa which have impacted the lives of more than 60 million people.
UPDATE: U2 has supported (RED)'s work to end AIDS since (RED)'s inception in 2006 and an additional animated interval - MOTHER & CHILD - is currently playing as part of U2's INNOCENCE + EXPERIANCE TOUR 2015.
MORE
It's Real (Penguin) Love...
06/11/14
If you are all about the Pengwings & Penglings - then you�ll LOVE our BAFTA winning film of Oliver Jeffers Award winning book LOST AND FOUND - available on DVD & Download worldwide - all year round! ...
Amazon UK top 100 Children's films!
Read the REVIEWS
About The Film
PAL DVD
NTSC DVD
A Southbank Show ...
01/11/14
STUDIO AKA's BAFTA-winning, animated adaptation of Oliver Jeffers� much loved picture book, LOST AND FOUND was screened to a packed house in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the 1st November as part of a weekend of events celebrating 10 years since 'The Boy' first appeared in Oliver's 'How To Catch A Star'. This was followed by a Q&A with Oliver Jeffers & Director Philip Hunt who adapted the book for the screen ...
Missed the screening? Fear not, it's but a click away ...
PAL DVD
NTSC DVD
About The Film
Are you #Feelingnuts?
07/10/14
As part of Check One Two's #feelingnuts awareness campaign, Studio AKA were asked to create this short film to both introduce the campaign and the 90 min TV comedy show for Channel 4: "FEELING NUTS" - an evening of 'entertainment and awkward conversations' hosted by Jack Whitehall to raise awareness of testicular cancer. To that end, we're literally talking bollocks to persuade YOU to join the Check One Two movement and start #feelingnuts. Why? Well, because if testicular cancer is caught early, it is 100% curable, and that's where the Check One Two campaign '#feelingnuts' aims to make a real difference - by spreading awareness & educating men - breaking down the embarrassment & lack of knowledge which still surrounds this disease.
For more information on the Check One Two movement and #Feelingnuts campaign,
visit: CHECK ONE-TWO
Link to PROJECT PAGE
A Perfect Fit �
25/09/14
In this commercial for TSB we tell the story of two tailors. We first introduce a slightly brash outfitter who clearly does not have his customer�s best interests at heart and � in a subtle nod to those banks who tempt in customers with mortgages that aren�t right the fit for them � leaves his patient customer with an ill-fitting suit. Our second tailor however has a much better way of sizing up what his client really needs, and meticulously measures up his delighted customer with a suit which is just right � and at an affordable cost too � signifying TSB�s attitude to mortgage lending.
Following closely the pattern of the previous campaign spot for TSB, Studio AKA Director Steve Small once again works his magic into the subtle performances and comedy-timing of the beautifully animated 2D characters, crafted in line with the campaign thus far. With its gentle melodic hook created once more by composer Anne Dudley & sound designers; Factory, and the warmly intoned narration by Kelly McDonald, the picture comes together seamlessly.
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
These Three Things �
25/09/14
Studio AKA director Eamonn O'Neill has directed another captivating spot for the NSPCC commissioned by LOVERS, following on from the success of 'Sally's Story' in 2013.
This time, the NSPCC were looking for a way to offer individuals some practical tips and techniques to help overcome online bullying, namely by suggesting three simple ways towards building confidence, which can help you, maintain a more positive outlook ...
Client: NSPCC
Agency: LOVERS
Director: Eamonn O'Neill
Produced by: Studio AKA
PROJECT PAGE
Mucho Mincho ...
01/09/14
Issue 02 of MINCHO - The Illustration & Graphic Arts magazine - has a feature on STUDIO AKA ( and as a bonus there's a piece on Chris Haughton too!)
READ
YCN Award for MOTH ...
26/08/14
The 2014 YCN Professional Awards shine a light on London-based Moth Collective who comprise (AKA Director) Dave Prosser, Daniel Chester, and Marie-Margaux Tsakiri-Scanatovits, whose film, 'I Will Miss You' - created originally for LATE NIGHT WORK CLUB - is described as 'an unmissable ghost tale for the net generation'. Congratulations all at MOTH!
READ
Step Right Up �
23/07/14
Gather round folks �
We're getting a lot of requests to talk at design & advertising agencies, festivals & educational institutions about our process & approach towards telling stories and creating characters. If you have something like that in mind then talk to Nikki Kefford via: [email protected]
Presentations of AKA's work & story have been hosted at countless festivals, design conferences & educational institutions, including: PICTOPLASMA Berlin / HERE London / STYLEFRAMES NYC / BROAD.CAT Barcelona / PLAYGROUNDS Tilburg / ONEDOTZERO London / OFFSET Dublin / The SCIENCE MUSEUM London / FMX Stuttgart / SEMI-PERMANENT Auckland & many more.
OUR DETAILS
TEN by ONE �
23/05/14
This, is the universe �
Take a look at the film we made with OLIVER JEFFERS & MAC PREMO celebrating 10 years of ONE - the international campaigning & advocacy organisation - who are marking a decade of progress in the fight against extreme poverty ...
VIEW PROJECT
ONE.ORG
Ray-Ban have it MADE �
21/05/14
MADE is an online game for Ray-Ban, created to showcase the new range of Sunglass frames available in 2014.
Working closely with Stink Digital & creative director Cameron Temple, STUDIO AKA's Dave Prosser mmanaged to bring a fresh and personalised stamp to the familiar style of a classic platform game - one which which cleverly uses Facebook's profile data as its driving force to give each player a unique twist.
VIEW PROJECT
Play MADE
Think Big �
07/05/14
As part of agency JOINT's ongoing campaign for the newly independent TSB, some of the lovely characters - designed by AKA's Steve Small - have been wrapped around the London IMAX �
CAMPAIGN PAGE
FORMWORK on film �
23/04/14
Graphic Thought Facility designed all the branding & packaging work for Herman Miller's FORMWORK modular desk accessories, designed by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility. AKA Director Philip Hunt worked with GTF to create a 1 min film that presents the product in a seamlessly integrated and uncluttered way, & shows how Formwork brings order and elegance to the random clutter of a desktop.
VIEW PROJECT
Herman Miller
Graphic Thought Facility
Industrial Facility
Have you ever wondered �
10/04/14
In a world full of limits, the uniqueness of something truly unlimited is conveyed with a deadpan silliness that was absolutely right for AKA director Steve Small, who chose to create a pared back world into which the Hyundai proposal could be explained in examples of both limited and unlimited situations and ideas. Deft use of simple, colourful visual performances - and a wickedly engaging sense of humour - drive the underlying message home throughout. Job done. Don't believe us? Check out the Mariachi players and the Singing Cat for starters ...
VIEW HERE
No surprises �
08/04/14
The campaign for the newly independent TSB continues with this spot in which we demonstrate how TSB aims to avoid the teasing tactics - often employed by their competitors - to tempt in new customers. In this case temptation is represented by a trolly full of delicious looking cakes, and a waiter working to his own agenda �
Once again employing a meticulously hand crafted combination of 2D line animation blended with 3D elements, this latest campaign spot takes a step away from the continuously sweeping camera used in the first two spots and hones in on the subtle performances of the characters. AKA director Steve Small takes the reins for the delightful comedy-timing of the snooty waiter. Narration duties are again performed by Kelly Macdonald, with original music by Anne Dudley and Sound Design from Factory.
CAMPAIGN PAGE
JOINT LONDON
Moving Stories �
03/04/14
The National Media Museum & Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children's Books) are again staging an exciting exhibition showcasing innovative & influential film and television adaptations, inspired by children's books. Featuring manuscripts, illustrations, storyboards, costumes and film footage from some of your favourite authors, including Roald Dahl, Lewis Carroll and Julia Donaldson, as well as AKA's telling of Oliver Jeffers LOST AND FOUND �
05/04/2014 - 27/04/2015
Seven Stories, Newcastle upon Tyne.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
NMM
BAA: 'You Did Good' ...
03/03/13
AKA director Eamonn O'Neill was tasked with creating an award for the 2014 British Animation Awards (held on March 7th at the BFI, Southbank ). The brief was to incorporate the letters BAA and a sheep, and Eamonn thinks that 'the winner what won it has done good' � and seeing as that was the team over at THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL, we agree, they done very good indeed!
WATCH
BAA
An Exquisite Corpse ...
03/06/2013
10 seconds of music, 4 colours & tons of Cartoon Network characters to work with �
Cartoon Network commissioned a crew of animators from around the world - including AKA's EAMONN O'NEILL - to each create ten seconds worth animation with their networks characters for their new summer ident - all in the form of an animated exquisite corpse. Each team/animator was given 10 seconds of music, 4 colours and tons of Cartoon Network characters to work with and the separate sequences were then combined to create a single 60-second spot.
EAMONN'S CLIP
FULL SEQUENCE
The Wool Parade �
07/02/07
A short film commissioned by Graphic Thought Facility for the Danish textile company Kvadrat. The brief was to bring to life an installation created by Doshi Levien - the concept of which is a wonderful collection of larger-than-life abstract forms that are all upholstered in a variety of Kvadrat wool fabrics.
AKA Director Philip Hunt chose to focus on the simple themes of shape & form, colour & texture - and created a 90 second abstracted film which simply documents the shapes as living creatures - each given locomotion by the possibilities and restrictions inherent in it's own physical form - despite & because of their own physical properties & limitations ...
VIEW HERE
GRAPHIC THOUGHT FACILITY
All Work, No Pay ...
31/08/13
Late Night Work Club is an international collective of animators - including AKA represented directors DAVID PROSSER & EAMONN ONEILL - who are striving to make independent, non-commercial work outsides of the constraints of the everyday, between jobs and classes, & with no funding. You can see their first collective endeavour, an original indie animation anthology entitled GHOST STORIES online now.
David's piece is called I WILL MISS YOU, whilst Eamonn O'Neill gives us POST PERSONAL, alongside some simply stunning work from Charles Huettner, Sean Buckelew, Jake Armstrong, Erin Kilkenny, Caleb Wood, Louise Bagnall, Alex Grigg, Conor Finnegan, Ciaran Duffy and Scott Benson. More info & the sound credits are over on LNWC.
More on LNWC
LNWC GHOST STORIES
I WILL MISS YOU
GHOST STORIES: POST PERSONAL
Back to the future ...
08/10/13
A 2.5min film about the Reverend Henry Duncan and the history behind the building of the TSB bank, THE STORY is the result of a collaboration between STUDIO AKAs MARC CRASTE and DAMON COLLINS at JOINT, and reflects the historic values of the banks founder and his drive to enable ordinary working people to overcome poverty.
Combining the hand crafted artistry of 2D character animation within a stunningly integrated use of 3D CGI sets, the journey through time is reflected in the films opening shot - an unbroken take which lasts a whopping 95 seconds.
VIEW HERE
JOINT LONDON
Kristian Andrews Interview ...
03/03/13
The Animation Research Centre visited AKA to talk to Kristian about his practice as an animator. He talked about his influences and inspiration and showed his fantastic collection of sketchbooks. Conducted as part of 'Oral Histories and Visible Witness' - an exploratory project into the documentation of the creative practice of current UK animators.
WATCH
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.kristian-andrews.com
Max BAFTA ...
26/11/12
Congratulations to AKA represented director MAX LANG, who along with Co-director JAN LACHAUER & MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES won a BAFTA for the BBC1 commissioned adaptation of Julia Donaldson's ROOM ON THE BROOM.
To add the the plaudits & drama, Magic Light Picture�s lovely film was also nominated for a 2014 OSCAR! and was also awarded the 2014 British Animation Award for best Long Form film!
Max is represented in the UK for commercials by STUDIO AKA, and you can discover more about Max over in �
PEOPLE
Directors Notes ...
03/06/13
Directors Notes invited AKA's Kristian Andrews to become the latest filmmaker featured in their 'They Are Animators' series.
READ
FilmClub �
11/02/14
AKA's Grant Orchard & Anna Kubik joined FILMCLUB's Luke & Jake in the studio - as part of the British Council Shorts programme - to discuss A MORNING STROLL, the BAFTA award winning short film about Zombies, Time Travel and �Chickens ( whoops! spoilers!).
WATCH
BAFTA for A MORNING STROLL ...
14/03/13
Sue Goffe & Grant Orchard about their recent BAFTA win for short animation, A Morning Stroll, and their trip to the Oscars ...
READ
WATCH THEIR BAFTA WIN
Dpi Magazine �
05/05/13
Taiwan�s Dpi Magazine �The Variation of Comic Art and Animation� - A collection featuring dozens of Eastern and Western artists and a selection of their work organized into the subcategories of "Sheer Vision", "Tangible Illusion", and "Satiny Boundary". Oh, and us ...
DPI Magazine
Orchard on Brew �
07/02/07
Cartoon Brew takes a closer look at Studio AKA�s A Morning Stroll with its writer/director Grant Orchard ...
CARTOON BREW
Library book: Animation In Process �
05/05/13
From Hollywood blockbuster to striving independent filmmaker, from mobile phone games to characters advertising products on television, from pseudo live action through to virtual environments, animation is able to transcend boundaries to reach new audiences. This book (featuring AKA's LOVESPORT by Grant Orchard) shows how artists, designers, filmmakers, programmers, directors, writers, and producers have seized the chance to entertain using a versatile and compelling medium.
Laurenceking.com
IDN - On the joy of conferences ...
06/12/11
The unexpected change in direction forced by technical difficulties or spontaneous audience participation is always fun. Let�s be honest though, the most fun thing is just �showing off� isn�t it?
READ
Singing Heads ...
16/05/11
Sing Up is a government-funded music education organisation to get primary school children singing. It aims to get people to realise that singing is an infectious and liberating experience that has the power to build confidence and self-esteem and to assist learning. Sing Up delivers training and tools to teachers and works to inspire children all over the country to find their voice.
AKA Dir. STEVE SMALL was asked by agency AMV/BBDO to bring the campaign to life & DIGITAL ARTS asked him a few questions about it ...
DIGITAL ARTS
PROJECT PAGE
A BAFTA for LOST AND FOUND �
14/03/13
LOST AND FOUND was awarded the BAFTA for CHILDREN'S ANIMATION at the 2009 British Academy Children's Awards. Accepting the award (Ifrom Mr Johnny Vegas no less...) were Producer SUE GOFFE & Director PHILIP HUNT of production company STUDIO AKA. The recognition from the British academy adds to an amazing 61 Awards received since the films completion.
BAFTA PAGE
BAFTA INTERVIEW
Nominee Blog: WEEK 1
Nominee Blog: WEEK 2
Nominee Blog: WEEK 3
Nominee Blog: WEEK 4
About LOST AND FOUND
The Creative Path ...
15/11/11
An interview with AKA's Philip Hunt about the Studio and it's Directors, and the relationship between The Creativity Monster� and Dreams & Goals� ...
READ
Directors Notes ...
03/12/12
Directors Notes invited AKA's Eamonn O'Neill to feature in their 'They Are Animators' series ...
READ
SKWIGLY Interview ...
15/11/11
An interview with AKA's David Prosser on the work behind his spot for Staoil ...
READ
The Book Of Varmints ...
20/02/13
The most overlooked threat in the world is the loss of peace and quiet�
Marc Craste & Helen Ward's beautiful book - Winner of the English Association's 4-11 Book Awards 2008 / Judge�s Top Choice for the Fiction and Poetry Ages 5-7 - Scholastic Best Books 2008 / Shortlisted for the British Book Design and Production Awards 2008. / Shortlisted for the 2009 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. / Green Earth Book Award, Picture Book Category.
READ
D&AD: Storytelling in Animation ...
03/08/13
D&AD talks to Dir Marc Craste about large worlds & small characters ...
READ
Style Frames NYC �
14/03/13
A peek inside our pitch process as part of this STASHMEDIA TV event.
READ
Looking Back ...
03/03/13
AKA director & RCA MA (Hons) Animation graduate Kristian Andrews looks back at how his UCA BA (Hons) course helped him get a started.
WATCH
Chicken Clippings �
11/02/14
Once the BAFTA & OSCARS hoo-hah died down, we gathered up some Interviews & articles that covered the progress of A MORNING STROLL, to leave (ahem) casually lying around � including Grant's 'Sundance Diaries' for the Huffington Post ...
HUFFINGTON POST
HAUT LIFESTYLE
SHOOT-ONLINE
ANIMATION MAGAZINE
IMMERSED IN MOVIES
BBC NEWS
SKWIGLY MAGAZINE
FILM JOURNEL
IMPERICA.COM
Library book: ANIMATION �
05/05/13
From scriptwriting through to production, Andrew Selby's introduction to animation for students surveys key technical processes and examines a variety of stylistic approaches. The book includes visual examples from key animators (ahem, including AKA) and illustrated features on how to create exciting animation for a variety of audiences ...
Laurenceking.com
AdAge Interview ...
19/11/07
An interview with AKA's Marc Craste on the work that lies behind the work ...
READ
CHICAGO Honours the Penguin �
14/03/13
LOST AND FOUND was awarded the CHILDREN�S JURY PRIZE at the CHICAGIO INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL - and VOICE OF AMERICA did a nice report ...
WATCH
Semi-Permanent
2009 �
11/02/14
SEMI-PERMANENT's Aukland 2009 conference featured a stellar line up from all over the globe including among others: Sanky (All of Us) Tim Beard (Bibliotheque) James Jean, Kate Moross, Arvind Palep, Aaron Duffy, Harry Pearce (Pentagram) and STUDIO AKA chatting to an intimate audience of 2,000 ...
So, what is Semi-Permanent?
'To put it simply Semi-Permanent is a design event. It consists of a conference and side events which include exhibitions, competitions, workshops and parties. It�s a week long celebration of all things design. Graphic Design, Film, Art, Illustration, Web Design, Photography, Visual Effects, Animation, Graffiti, Motion Graphics, Stop Motion; all these things and more �'
SEMI-PERMANENT
DPI Vol 91 �
05/05/13
Dpi, vol. 91, Special issue: New London, New Design, featuring works by STUDIO AKA...
DPI Facebook Page
Library book: Animation Now �
05/05/13
Just how do they do it? The artists behind the cartoons are the focus of this sweeping study that brings you everything you ever wanted to know about today�s best animation specialists. Editor Julius Wiedemann rounded up about 80 of the world�s most prominent artists/studios and arranged them from A to Z, including examples and descriptions of their work. Profiles of the world�s best animation schools are also provided - including STUDIO AKA ...
ANIMATION NOW
The Cartoon D'Or �
14/03/05
Marc Craste's haunting black-and-white tragic love story was the winner at the 16th edition of the Cartoon Forum held in Kolding, Denmark. Out of 25 shorts selected from partner festival entries, jurors Karsten Kiilerich, Philippe Leclerc and Peter Lord awarded Craste's short animated film "Jojo in the Stars," with the Cartoon D'Or prize. Marc, who also won a BAFTA for JoJo, received 15,000 euros to work on a new project which resulted in his next film at AKA: VARMINTS.
More on JO JO
Jo Jo's BAFTA ...
15/02/04
The BAFTA winning debut film from AKA Director Marc Craste - JO JO IN THE STARS is a 12 minute story of love, self-sacrifice and jealousy, played out against a black & white world that is both nightmarish and hauntingly beautiful. Find out more about this beautiful film ...
BAFTA
SHORT OF THE WEEK
Project page