The animator behind the classic film ‘The Snowman’ has joined Bath College and wants to save the tradition of taking storyboard sketches to the big screen.
Graham Bebbington, who is known for his work across the world, will share his expertise and inside knowledge in a ten-week ‘Introduction to Animation’ course at City of Bath College.
He is keen to encourage people to get involved in animation after being “called out of retirement” to work on the sequel to Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman.
He said working on ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’ in 2012 was a “real eye-opener” as the team tried to use the same traditional techniques as in the first film. This included using pastels, crayons and other colouring tools drawn on pieces of celluloid, which were traced over hand drawn frames.
Graham, who lives in Bath, said: “My career has gone full-circle. I worked on the original Snowman film straight after college and then there I was working on the sequel after about 30 years.
“It immediately reminded me why I started in animation but it struck me how things were so different and how much the industry had changed. There was one person doing ten people’s jobs so things were very labour-intensive and there was so much new technology.
“But despite all the changes, the basic principles remain the same.
“That’s when I realised I was in a position to help keep animation skills alive, I want to help stop the traditional industry dying out.”
Graham worked as a freelance animator for more than 30 years and has been named in the credits of films and TV series across the world. His other achievements include the 1980s TV series ‘SuperTed’ and Disney’s ‘Fantasia 2000’ and ‘The Jungle Book 2.’
His Introduction to Animation course will be a “step-by-step guide through the animation process” focusing on traditional 2D techniques. Those who sign up for the course will be expected to finish a simple animation individually or as part of a group.
No previous experience of animation is necessary for the course, which runs on Wednesday evenings from September 25th to December 4th, then again from January 8th to March 19th, 2014.
The only requirement is for students to have a genuine interest in seeing their illustrations or photography brought to life.
Graham said: “There are now hundreds of people making animations but they have to know the grassroots stuff to be able to progress.
“People may be able to teach themselves at home but they can fall into bad habits and not have the right skills to build on.
“I want to share my expertise of the industry and inform others how animation films are produced professionally.”
An Introduction to Animation is being run as part of City of Bath College’s popular Love2learn programme, which includes more than 150 short and one-day courses.
The College also runs firm favourites such as art, craft, photography and cooking, as well as plumbing, woodwork and holiday languages.
For more information on Love2learn courses, please contact the Student Advice Centre on 01225 312191 ext 715/716 or email [email protected]
