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Toon Market 2017: Creativity and Community

Sep 14, 2017 | Views:209513  | Print Version

by Katrin Kallender (UTT Animation Alumnus)


The screening of short films by UTT's Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) Animation students on Friday August 25 was a triumph for and a delight for all in attendance. Audience members were treated to a phenomenal line-up of animated shorts, which was the culmination of two (2) years of arduous individual and collaborative work. The animators' stories reflected various influences, and students paid homage to popular cartoons, as they amused attendees with comedy steeped in local flavour and stories inspired by personal events. The screening of work by final year students has been a feature of the Diploma in Animation programme since its inception, and the programme now nine (9) years old, has been instrumental in helping students to produce high quality local content, access employment opportunities and connect with kindred spirits. The screening is a festive event dedicated to showcasing the work of the animation programme and celebrating Level two (2) students.

'It's not just about moving pictures.'

The student screening adopted the name 'Toon Market' in 2013, and the students of that graduating class still participate, which is fitting given the programme's strong ties within the community. Indeed, several past students of the programme, now members of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Trinidad and Tobago Animation Network (TTAN) were present to welcome the class of 2017 into the fold. Referring to the animation community prospective graduates would now join, lecturer Camille Selvon-Abrahams said that graduates of the programme were now self-employed, whilst others were in the employ of TV6, Lonsdale Saatchi and Saatchi and Full Circle among other companies. She indicated that the training the students received was preparing them for leadership in the field of animation saying, 'We are handing over the reins. It's not just about moving pictures.'

'An environment where all hidden talent... is allowed to blossom.'
Toon Market affords students the opportunity to have their films presented to the public and also to have a forum to discuss the films and their creative process. The event also provides students with opportunities to network with freelance animators, animation studios, advertising companies and media houses. Each year, voting determines the winner of the People's Choice Award. The recipient of this year's award, Stefan Thomas, with his film The Fallen, captivated audiences with its stunning images, cinematic score and skilfully executed animation. The students and their families beamed with pride after the screening, and many students expressed relief at completing the journey. The students' films were a testament to the success of the vision of UTT's Chairman, Professor Kenneth S. Julien (Emeritus T.C.) in which UTT aspires to 'provide an environment where all hidden talent...is allowed to blossom.'

 

 

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