If you’ve been itching to get your hands on that Atom 2.5 3D Printer DIY Kit, DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone, or one of our other great prizes we’ve got some advice for you. To help you succeed and increase your odds of winning we’ve prepared these tips based on past mistakes as well as a bonus tip about the judges.
#1 Start your project early. Creating quality animation takes time. The contest will stop accepting submissions at midnight on November 3rd, 2017 (GMT-5).
#2 Be original. Get creative with your story telling. Capture your audience’s attention with a well-developed storyline (hint: Many of our judges are experts in storyboarding). Try different mediums and techniques to tell your story.
#3 Beware of video length and style. The contest accepts 2D animations with a length between 15 to 120 seconds.
#4 Submit your work to the right places. In the past participants have mistakenly uploaded their video to the main AniZone page. To ensure your animation is included in the contest, submit via the Animation Desk App or the iAniMagic Contest Page.
#5 Take advantage of new contest regulations. Participants can now use any software to create their animation as well as work in teams of up to 5 people.
#6 Join as a participating institution. Students from participating institution have the chance to win extra prizes, including scholarships. Participating institutions are also added to the school scoreboard with an opportunity to be featured on the Animation Desk Facebook page. Institutions can sign up to participate at the bottom of the main iAniMagic Contest Page.
For more contest details please visit the iAniMagic Main Contest Page or read our previous blog “Big Changes for iAniMagic 2017”.
Bonus Tip: Practice more than your animation skills. Get to know the judges. iAniMagic 2017 is a great time to network and practice your marketing skills. Just like giving a good speech the best way to connect and inspire is to know your audience. This year we’ve already done some of the work for you by providing an introduction of the judges below.
Chen Bo Zun (Basil Chen)
Basil Chen earned his degree in Animation and Digital Art from the Communication University of China in 2013. As a graduate student, he took part in the film production of The Zhao’s Orphans (translated) and Heart-stealing Tomato (translated).
After he earned his degree, he worked as a key animator in the Kung Fu Bunny animation series. He also joined the production of Monkey King: Hero is Back and other animated films. Basil Chen is currently working as a storyboard artist on several film projects.
(Image source: The Monkey King Weibo page)
Sun Gia Lung
After Sun Gia graduated from Nihon Kogakuin College, he worked as a key animator at WISH anime Production Company in Japan. In 2013, he returned to Taiwan and started SAFE HOUSE T studio with friends whom he met in Japan. The studio specializes in graphic design, animation, illustration, game production and other related areas.
The studio aims to bring their overseas work experience and knowledge to the local animators. They recently tried to produce the third animated feature film ever produced in Taiwan, KRAFT. While the project sadly failed in its crowdfunding attempts, the art and character sets are still appealing and culturally rich. The studio aims to continue producing this high-quality work and grow its global audience.
Lyndon Ruddy
Lyndon is an experienced storyboard, animation, design, and layout artist. In the past 20 years, he has worked for major studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Blue Sky Studios, Disneytoon Studios, and Warner Brothers. Through his passion for storytelling, he takes audiences on fantastic journeys with classic animation characters. He is currently a Story Artist for Blue Sky Studios.
Some Notable Projects:
- 2017 The Emoji Movie
- 2014 Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue
- 2010 Gnomeo and Juliet
- 2002 Kim Possible
(Image source: The Emoji Movie on IMDb)
Gabe Swarr
Gabe is an Emmy award-winning animation producer and director. He currently works at Nickelodeon Animation Studios as a Supervising Producer in Development. Prior to joining Nickelodeon, he worked as an animator and director for Warner Bros., the Cartoon Network, and Disney. His expertise include: producing, directing, storyboarding, and animation.
Some Notable Projects:
- Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness
- El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera
- Dexter’s Laboratory
(Image source: Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda Legends of Awesomeness)
Jose Zelaya
Jose is an experienced character designer and visual development artist at Disney Animation Studio. He has worked as the primary character designer for Annie Award-winning animations such as Jake and the Neverland Pirates. He has also freelanced for major studios such as Rough Draft Studios, Film Roman, Sony, Universal, and Cartoon Network.
Jose is a well-rounded artist, detailed to easily adapt in numerous productions and agencies. His diverse skills in the media and art industry have allowed him to expand and cultivate in countless projects throughout his creative career.
- Mickey And the Roadster Racers
- Lion Guard
- Jake and the Neverland Pirates
(Image Source: Disney’s Mickey And the Roadster Racers on Disney Rewards)
Lastly, if you’re still with us please help us out by sharing this post with your friends so they can join the fun too. 🙂
Happy Animating!