Animation UK has formed a collaboration with the BFI. Together, the companies will showcase various leading figures from the UK animation industry at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The event began yesterday, 13 June and will conitnue through Friday 17 June.“The UK is home to some of the world’s most talented and innovative animators. In working with Animation UK and other Screen Agencies to showcase our talent and their work to the global industry at Annecy, we hope to help our animators forge and build fruitful international creative and financial partnerships," Katie Ellen, BFI’s Senior Manager of International Strategy and Distribution, said.
Based in MIFA at stand C.19, the UK Pavilion will honor the excellence of UK animation while offering a meeting space for UK delegates and information and resources about working with the UK. It is organised by Animation UK, supported by BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, with additional support from Department for International Trade, Film London, Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Scotland, and Creative Wales.
In addition to providing an opportunity for producers to organise meetings, Animation UK will organise networking events at the venue. Representatives from Animation UK, the BFI and the screen agencies will be on the stand and available for meetings about offers around the UK including information on the UK Tax Credit and the new Global Screen Fund. “The support from all UK partners nationally is hugely positive and we are thrilled to celebrate the UK Animation sector and build new international partnerships," Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation, said. "UK films and film-makers are extremely well-represented in the official animation festival line and we are delighted to see so many shortlisted entries being showcased.”
A wealth of projects from UK animators feature in the official selection for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival across categories including Short Films, TV Films, Commissioned Films and TV Works. Notable productions include Aardman Animations’ Christmas special Robin Robin, Magic Light Pictures’ Milkshake! pre-school series Pip and Posy, The House by Nexus Studios, Elton John and Dua Lipa’s music video for their Cold Heart (Pnau Remix) and Arch Film Studio’s Save Ralph. Strong representation in the official short film category this year reflects new funding for from the BFI, who launched the Short Form Animation Fund in 2022 thanks to National Lottery funding, which has resulted in a strong selection of shorts from the UK.