The catalan production company Acció, one of the most prestigious international production companies, visited our school to give a masterclass to the Animation students. Our students got to know first-hand the trajectory of a company specialising in the production of 2D/3D animation of cinematographic quality. Acció is the creator of hits such as the films Little Big Panda (2011), Chico y Rita (2009) and Cher ami (2009) and the TV series 10+2 (1991 to 2005). Salva de Haro, coordinator of 2D Animation at L’Idem, has worked on several Acció projects: “Collaborating with them has always been a pleasure”, given that at Acció “they have not only taken care of the productions, but also the professionals who have worked with them”.
After this masterclass, our students carried out a 2D Animation project supervised by Miquel Pujol, director of Acció, and Joan Espinach, director of Animation.
What was the exercise you proposed to the students?
Miquel: We proposed to the students to animate a short film with a single character: an Ant, a character from the 10+2 series by the Acción production company. Our objectives when planning an exercise have always been to reproduce situations like those that can be found in any real-world production, where the animator is faced with certain requirements and has to do what is asked of him.
How has the practice developed?
Joan: First of all and from a given design, the students have made a turn around of the character. Thanks to this, they became familiar with the character. Secondly, we provided them with some scenes so that they could see in detail how the ant’s animation worked. Thirdly, they planned the work to be done, divided the scenes of the short film and worked on them individually. Finally, they integrated them into the final project.
How have you seen our students?
Miquel: We have seen very diverse and interesting profiles. L’Idem students are very well-disposed, eager to learn and progress. And it is through training like this that they improve their skills and abilities.
Joan: In an animation production, each animator is a cog in the wheel. And to achieve good results, it is essential to communicate and receive/provide feedback. By working as a team, unforeseen events that may arise during the development of the production can be resolved.
What advice would you give to our students to prepare them for the labour market?
Joan: The best advice we can give them is to listen. Work as a team, observe and learn from your colleagues and have a lot of enthusiasm. Because cheering well requires a lot of hard work and special attention to detail.
Miquel: For us, the experience of this training was very interesting. It has helped us to remember the basis of our vocation.