CapU students score high in 24-hour animation film contest
Twelve teams of animation students got rewarded for pulling an all-nighter.
Teams from CapU’s animation programs took part in the international 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students. Two teams finished in the top ten, and five teams finished in the top 25 out of 300 entries. CapU entry Crow Bros made entirely of first-year students came in sixth place, and entry Facebook Peanut Butter Counter-Strike: Source came in at second place and earned a prize valued at over US$15,000.
“We are very proud of the films and the efforts by students,” says Glenn Sylvester, CapU 2D/3D animation instructor and coordinator.
“This is a particularly outstanding accomplishment for our team of first-year students,” adds Don Perro, 2D animation instructor and coordinator, as most teams hail from four-year degree programs.
YouTube: All entries in 24 Hours Animation Contest
At 4:00pm PST on October 4, 2019 teams from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong and Thailand received the contest theme “what family means to you,” and had 24 hours to create a 30 second film.
Faculty and instructors cannot provide help; only moral and nutritional support, which meant several coffee runs, pizza and snacks.
“Everyone loves the experience,” says Perro. “It's not easy, but students like the power-learning and the idea that you can make a half-decent film in 24 hours. It helps them experience the importance of diplomacy, and successfully dealing with stressful work situations.”
Each team strategizes how to produce their film. Some teams schedule naptimes while others work all night.
“The hardest part was staying focused throughout the night with little to no sleep,” says Pranav Athi, team leader of CapU’s second place team Facebook Peanut Butter Counter-Strike. His team carried out two mini rehearsals to train for the event.
“Animation recruiters tell me that CapU grads are not only skilled and work-ready, they are also nice, considerate and enthusiastic people. Focusing on these traits while competing in the 24 HOUR animation contest helps us nurture that attitude,” says Perro.
Submitted by: Linda Munro