Before they come, they have already selected a script they want to make. Their first step, as a group, is doing a storyboard-an important first step in visualizing what they want to say or express. Each kid then selects a segment to animate. The choice of characters is done collectively. Each piece of animation is shot and checked on video line-testing equipment. After the instructor checks the work, it is time for coloring: the colors are also chosen collectively. The film is finally shot either on video or 16mm film. The last day is reserved for recording the sounds made by the kids, who also jointly select the music.

For young kids, the techniques of choice usually include clay, pixilation, cutouts and objects. These techniques, which use everyday materials, make animation closer to them.

Needless to say, during these one week workshops, both teachers and parents learn a lot about animation.

Every year, we have screenings where all the films are shown. What follows is a series of unforgettable moments, when the students see what they have made -- no matter what technique they have used-come to life on the screen. There is just no comparison with their normal homework assignments. And best of all is the applause and appreciation they get from the audience.

During the last school year, we had workshops with 26 classes -- about 650 kids in all. We can say that these 650 have been prepared to become a passionate audience for animation-which is our main goal. After all, the art of animation needs a public outside of festivals.

Secoue, secoue moi (Shake, shake me) made by three 9-13 years

For our 25th anniversary celebration, apart from the usual workshops for children, we are organizing special screenings for both adults and schools alike-with participating professionals.

To date, we have already had tributes to Polish Animation, with Piotr Dumala, who demonstrated his personal techniques of engraving on plaster; a tribute to Italian Animation with Guido Manuli; a tribute to French Animation with Bernard Palacios, who presented the works of the Studio La Fabrique. Following these, we will have a tribute to clay animation featuring Peter Lord giving a demonstration of how to make plasticine come alive. And finally, we will have a tribute to Alexandre Alexeïeff and Claire Parker, the creators of the pinscreen-who patronized our workshops when it was founded. This two day tribute will include screenings, a seminar featuring 12 guests, including Bretislav Pojar, Jacques Droin, Nag Ansorge, Raoul Servais, Faith Hubley, Juri Norstein and Edouard Nazarov. These two days will be dedicated to the art of animation.

Nicole Salomon is Co-Founder of the Annecy Workshop and has been an ASIFA Board Member for several years.