CREATIVES IN ANIMATION NETWORK (CAN): November 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Fantastic Games & Interactive Narrative Event

Thanks to our brilliant, enthusiastic and inspiring speakers, CAN's first 'themed' event was a great evening. Charlene Putney on Twine, Chris Gregan (Snozbot) on their creation - the free games software engine, Fungus - and Dave McCabe on being a freelance Narrative Designer versus almost any other form of scriptwriter... The time flew in and several of us ended up sipping and talking on in the IFI afterwards.

Thanks to Filmbase for the room. Normally, CAN events are held in the Roasted Brown Cafe space on the floor below but we needed a screen to see some sample games -- yeah, it's a tough night when you have to watch games and learn interesting things from interesting people!

Unusually, we didn't have a lot of writers this time but we had everything else in the creative sphere of animation, vfx, games... If it felt a bit formal to be sitting in an 'official space' compared to gathering around tables downstairs, the ease of information flowing around the room and the candidness of the speakers made it a very special event. Not sure I got to talk to all the newcomers afterwards but hopefully they'll be back.

I'm thinking a themed night or two every year -- any ideas??

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Interactive Narrative Fiction & Games event

The next Creatives in Animation Network (CAN) event is on Wednesday November 19^th in Room 3, Filmbase.

It’s on a Wednesday this time (rather than the usual Monday) in order to use Room 3 (big thank you to Filmbase) so that we can have a screen if we need it. Why? Because this event is focussing on different forms of collaboration and writing/ animation – namely games and interactive narrative fiction. We have a narrative designer, a game developer and an interactive fiction writer so far lined up but it's still an informal gathering but if it works out, we can make it a regular feature to focus on some aspect of/ specific arena in the animation industry at every other event.

It’s still starting at 7, ending at 9 but bring a take away coffee/tea this time as we won’t have access to the Roasted Brown boiler downstairs.

Let me know if you want to come along at ljsedgwick@lindsayjsedgwick.com. I really need to keep an eye on numbers this time.

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF THE NETWORK

If you attend a Creatives in Animation Network (CAN) event, you will be added (if you want) to a group email. Everyone listed on this has attended at least one event and has said they are interested in collaborating on new material.

This is an invaluable resource so look up their work, choose what who to approach - you now have their email - and the opportunity is there for something magical and creative to happen.

What does seem to have emerged over the past two years is that enquiring emails looking for someone to collaborate on a certain project that are sent via the group email do not seem to be most effective way towards creative partnerships.

Instead, do your research, find individuals you think you would like to meet / talk over projects/ develop material with and approach directly.

Please note that it is up to eachindividual to research and take responsibility for all contacts and collaborations in which he or she engages. CAN hasn’t the facility or ability to assess the individual bona fide of any member.

Some feedback from CAN newcomers

“Thanks to CAN, I met someone I needed to meet to achieve my goal. Today I have 2 Apps available on GooglePlay (FREE to download) Check them out and feel free to spread the word... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.HedgehogHolmes.PiggyParrot; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.HedgehogHolmes.GhostofGoosefootPark" - David Carey

“I am only happy to tell you that it was inspirational to meet and talk to so many creative people last night at the CAN..."

"Great CAN event last night, very inspiring conversations ..."

"Please keep me on your CAN list as I do feel that networks like this are very useful and great for meeting potential new colleagues and friends..."

CAN on Facebook and LinkedIn

There are two dedicated group pages for the Creatives in Animation Network (CAN) to make sure the networking continues online – these are not exclusive to members who have attended the events but are a place to connect with a wider network.

Creatives in Animation Network on Facebook

Creatives in Animation Network on LinkedIn

Please note that it is up to the individual to research and take responsibility for all contacts and collaborations in which he or she engages. CAN hasn’t the facility or ability to assess the individual bona fide of any member.